Government Basics
What is the definition of government?
A government is the political party that wins an election and runs a country.
In a democracy, how do leaders get chosen?
People vote in elections to choose their leaders.
Who is Canada’s head of state?
The King (currently King Charles III)
What is tax, and why do people pay it?
Tax is money collected by the government to pay for public services.
What is a law?
A law is a rule that people in a country must follow.
What is the difference between a government and a parliament?
A government is made up of the political party that wins an election, while a parliament includes all politicians.
What is an autocracy?
A government where one unelected person, such as a king, queen, or dictator, has complete power.
Who represents the King in Canada?
The Governor General.
Name two things the government spends tax money on.
Education, healthcare, police, welfare, and defence
Who makes laws in Canada?
The government creates laws, but Parliament must agree before they are passed.
What does the word "government" originally mean?
The word comes from Old French and Latin words meaning "to steer," "to rule," and "to guide."
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A system where a country has a monarch, but they do not make political decisions.
What is the role of the Prime Minister in Canada?
The Prime Minister is the head of the government and makes major decisions.
What must happen before a law can be passed?
Parliament must agree to it. If they don’t, the government may need to change it.
Give one example of a law that affects children.
Children must stay in some form of education until they are 18.
What happens when no single party wins an election?
Two or more parties can join together to form a coalition government.
How is the UK’s government different from an absolute monarchy?
In the UK, the monarch does not have political power, while in an absolute monarchy, the monarch rules completely.
What is the Cabinet, and who selects its members?
The Cabinet is a group of ministers who help the Prime Minister make decisions, and the Prime Minister selects them.
What are policies, and who is responsible for making them?
Policies are important decisions made by the government about things like healthcare, education, and war.
How many laws are made each year in the UK?
Around 100 new laws are made each year.
In the UK, what three parts make up Parliament?
The monarch, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
Name two ways that governments can be formed.
Through elections in a democracy or by a single ruler taking control in an autocracy.
What is the difference between a minister and a member of the Cabinet?
A minister is responsible for a specific area, such as health or education, while Cabinet members are a select group of ministers who help make major government decisions.
Give one example of a government policy that affects transportation.
The government can decide to build new motorways or railway links.
What happens if Parliament does not agree with a law the government wants to pass?
The government may have to make changes to the law before it can be passed.