Principles & Power
This constitutional characteristic means the King of Canada's authority is constrained by the Constitution.
Constitutional Monarchy
Senators are appointed until this maximum age.
75
The constitutional arrangement where a central government and sub-national governments share power.
Federal State (or Federalism)
Which non-political institution has the power to overturn laws passed by Parliament if they violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Supreme Court of Canada (Judicial Branch)
What specific term refers to the support the government must maintain from the majority of the House of Commons?
Confidence
Who is the government figure whose advice the Governor General must follow when appointing a new Senator?
The Prime Minister (PM)
The specific geographic area an MP is elected to represent.
Riding (or Constituency or Electoral District)
What is the main check the House of Commons holds over the Executive (Cabinet)?
The power to defeat the government in a confidence vote.
Why is the Prime Minister's power considered significant despite Canada being a Constitutional Monarchy?
Because the PM controls the Executive (Cabinet) and advises the Governor General on key appointments like Senators and Judges.
Besides its legislative function, the Senate uses its permanent committees to perform what other key government function?
In-depth research and investigation (long-term policy studies).
Which level of government is legally empowered to create By-Laws?
Municipal
How do specialized Committees act as a check on the government's power?
They scrutinize policy/spending, hear testimony from experts/ministers, and can recommend amendments before a Bill becomes law.
Explain the difference between the Head of State and the Head of Government.
The Head of State (Governor General/Crown) is the ceremonial figure; the Head of Government (Prime Minister) is the political leader with executive power.
Identify the key difference between the selection of a Senator versus a Member of Parliament (MP).
Senator is Appointed vs. MP is Elected
In Canada's federal system, what is the term for a responsibility that falls under both the federal and provincial governments, and which constitutional body has the final authority to resolve jurisdictional conflicts over laws?
Concurrent Power, The Supreme Court of Canada
A Minister is accused of wrongdoing. What mechanism ensures that the Prime Minister and Cabinet cannot simply ignore the issue?
Question Period (or the threat of a No-Confidence Vote)
What is the formal action the Prime Minister must take with the Governor General immediately after losing a general election or a confidence vote?
Tender their resignation (or advise the GG to call a new election/invite the next leader to form a government).
Identify the difference between the tenure of a Senator versus a Member of Parliament (MP).
Senator serves until age 75 vs. MP serves until the next election.
Name the three distinct levels of government a Canadian resident may interact with (excluding Indigenous).
Federal, Provincial, and Municipal
Explain the concept of Cabinet Solidarity and identify one major benefit and one major drawback of the principle.
Solidarity means all Cabinet Ministers must publicly support all government decisions. (Benefit: Strong, unified government; Drawback: Silences dissent/independent thought.)