Government Basics
What type of government does Canada have?
What is: A constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
Name one branch of government.
What is: Executive, Legislative, or Judicial.
Which level of government handles garbage collection?
What is: The municipal government.
Which side of the political spectrum supports more social programs?
What is: The left.
What is a riding?
What is: An electoral district.
Who is Canada’s head of state (represented in Canada)?
Who is: The King (represented by the Governor General).
Which branch is responsible for making laws?
What is: The Legislative Branch.
Which level is in charge of health care and education?
What is: The provincial government.
What is a political platform?
What is: A party’s list of policies and ideas.
What voting system does Canada use?
What is: First-Past-the-Post.
What document protects Canadians’ rights and freedoms?
What is: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Which branch interprets laws and ensures they follow the Constitution?
What is: The Judicial Branch.
Which level controls immigration and national defence?
What is: The federal government.
What does the centre position on the political spectrum represent?
What is: A mix of left and right ideas.
What is a minority government?
What is: A party that wins the most seats but less than half.
What is the Constitution?
What is: The set of fundamental rules that outline how Canada is governed.
Which branch includes the Prime Minister and Cabinet?
What is: The Executive Branch.
Who leads the provincial government?
Who is: The Premier.
What is a political ideology?
What is: A set of beliefs about how society should work.
What is the purpose of Elections Canada?
What is: To run federal elections fairly and independently.
Why do countries need government?
What is: To make laws, provide services, and maintain order.
Why is separation of powers important?
What is: So no single branch has too much power.
What does “jurisdiction” mean?
What is: The area of responsibility each level of government controls.
Give one difference between left-wing and right-wing values.
What is: Left = more government involvement; Right = less involvement.
Give one criticism of the First-Past-the-Post system.
What is: It can distort voter preferences (e.g., a party wins many seats without a majority of votes).