Three ideas define the system
Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Federalism divides powers between the federal and provincial governments. Parliamentary democracy makes the executive accountable to the elected House of Commons. Constitutional monarchy means the Sovereign is head of state but governs within the Constitution through Canadian institutions.
Branches, Parliament and Cabinet
The executive branch includes the Prime Minister and Cabinet and administers government. The legislative branch makes laws through Parliament, which consists of the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. The judicial branch—the courts—interprets and applies the law independently.
Who is responsible for what
The federal government handles matters such as national defence, foreign affairs, criminal law, citizenship and currency. Provinces are central to education, health care, property and civil rights, natural resources and municipalities. Agriculture and immigration are shared areas.
Key facts to remember
- Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
- The Sovereign is head of state and is represented federally by the Governor General. The Prime Minister is head of government and selects the Cabinet.
- Government has executive, legislative and judicial branches. They create, administer and interpret the law through distinct institutions.
- Parliament consists of the Sovereign, the appointed Senate and the elected House of Commons.
- Federal responsibilities include national defence, foreign policy, criminal law, citizenship and currency. Provinces and territories administer areas such as education and health.
- Municipal governments handle local services under provincial or territorial authority; First Nations governance has its own elected leadership and responsibilities.
Check yourself
- What is the difference between the head of state and head of government?
- The Sovereign is head of state; the Prime Minister is head of government.
- What are the three branches of government?
- Executive, legislative and judicial.
- Can you give two responsibilities for each level of government?
- Examples: federal—defence and currency; provincial—education and health; municipal—local roads and water services.
Practice questions
Eight questions shaped like the official test: one right answer out of four, with the reason it is right. The timed twenty-question exams are in the app.
Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and what else?
- A presidential republic
- A constitutional monarchy
- A direct democracy
- A unitary state
Answer: A constitutional monarchy. These are the three central features of Canada’s system of government.
Which responsibility mainly belongs to provincial governments?
- National defence
- Currency
- Education
- Citizenship
Answer: Education. Education, health care and highways are among provincial responsibilities.
Which three parts make up Parliament?
- The Sovereign, Senate and House of Commons
- Prime Minister, premiers and mayors
- Police, courts and Cabinet
- House of Commons, courts and municipalities
Answer: The Sovereign, Senate and House of Commons. Parliament consists of the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons.
What does responsible government mean?
- The military selects Cabinet
- Ministers must retain the confidence of the elected assembly
- Judges write the budget
- The Sovereign campaigns for a party
Answer: Ministers must retain the confidence of the elected assembly. The government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons to govern.
Who is Canada’s head of government?
- The Sovereign
- The Governor General
- The Prime Minister
- The Chief Justice
Answer: The Prime Minister. The Sovereign is head of state; the Prime Minister is head of government.
How do senators enter the Senate?
- They win local elections
- They are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice
- They inherit their seats
- Premiers appoint them directly
Answer: They are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice. Senators are appointed, while members of the House of Commons are elected.
What are the three branches of government?
- Federal, provincial and municipal
- Executive, legislative and judicial
- Crown, police and media
- Cabinet, opposition and voters
Answer: Executive, legislative and judicial. The executive, legislative and judicial branches have different roles.
What must happen before a bill becomes law?
- It wins a referendum in every province
- It is passed by both chambers and receives Royal Assent
- It is approved by every mayor
- It is signed by the Chief Justice
Answer: It is passed by both chambers and receives Royal Assent. A federal bill must pass the House of Commons and Senate and receive Royal Assent.