Key facts for this chapter (12)

• Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal.
• Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy and a federation.
• The Sovereign is head of state. The Prime Minister is head of government and directs how the country is run.
• The Governor General represents the Sovereign at the federal level; Lieutenant Governors do so in each province.
• Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons.
• Senators are appointed and serve until age 75. Members of Parliament are elected.
• Federal responsibilities include defence, foreign policy, citizenship, criminal law and currency.
• Provincial responsibilities include education, health care, highways and natural resources.
• Municipal responsibilities include snow removal, firefighting, garbage collection and local water.
• A bill becomes law through first reading, second reading, committee study, third reading, passage in the other chamber, and finally royal assent.
• Responsible government means ministers of the Crown must hold the confidence of a majority of elected representatives.
• The party with the second most seats forms the Official Opposition, whose role is to peacefully oppose and improve government proposals.

Loading questions…