Levels of Government
This level of government is primarily responsible for National Defence and Citizenship.
Federal
I am the leader of the party with the most seats and the Head of Government.
The Prime Minister
Name the three components that collectively make up the Canadian Parliament.
The Crown (Governor General), The Senate, and The House of Commons
This principle requires the government to resign or call an election if it loses the support of the House of Commons.
Responsible Government
TRUE or FALSE: The Prime Minister is the Head of State.
FALSE (The Governor General is the Head of State)
This level of government is primarily responsible for Education and Hospitals/Healthcare funding.
Provincial
I am an MP who is not in Cabinet, whose main job is to represent my local riding and work in committees.
Backbencher
The room where the most legislative power lies and where the elected MPs sit is called the ____________.
House of Commons
What is the main, daily mechanism used by the Opposition to hold the Cabinet publicly accountable?
Question Period
TRUE or FALSE: Senators are elected by the public in each province to represent regional interests.
FALSE (Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the PM's advice)
This level of government is primarily responsible for Road Maintenance (local, non-highway) and Water Supply and Treatment.
Municipal
I am the impartial referee of the House of Commons, elected to enforce the rules of debate.
The Speaker of the House
This non-elected body is often called the "Upper House" and is decorated in the colour Red.
The Senate
What key word describes the relationship Cabinet Ministers must maintain when publicly discussing government decisions?
Unity (or Solidarity)
TRUE or FALSE: A Cabinet Minister may secretly vote against a government Bill if they disagree with it, provided they don't speak publicly about their disagreement.
FALSE (A Minister must publicly support all decisions, including voting, due to Cabinet Solidarity.)
Which level is responsible for Criminal Law and Foreign Affairs?
Federal
I am chosen by the Prime Minister to lead a specific department and must uphold Cabinet Solidarity.
A Cabinet Minister
The final ceremonial step that turns a Bill into an official Act of Parliament is called ____________.
Royal Assent
The Senate's function of reviewing the work of the elected House is known by the phrase: Sober ____________.
Sober Second Thought
TRUE or FALSE: The Speaker of the House only votes if there is a tie.
TRUE
Name two responsibilities that are typically shared (concurrent) between the Federal and Provincial levels.
The Environment and Healthcare (or Immigration)
I am the political leader of a Provincial government, equivalent in my region to the Prime Minister.
The Premier
This figure is the Head of State and signs legislation, but their authority is limited by the Constitution.
The Crown (or Governor General)
The principle that holds a Cabinet Minister accountable for everything that happens in their department, even if they were unaware of the action.
Individual Ministerial Responsibility
TRUE or FALSE: The party that wins the second-highest number of seats is called the Government-in-Waiting.
TRUE (This is the informal title of the Official Opposition)