Canadian Government Structure: What You Need to Know

Understanding Canada's Government Structure

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Understanding how the government works is essential for the citizenship test and for being an informed citizen.

Constitutional Monarchy

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, which means the Queen (or King) is the head of state, but her powers are limited by the constitution. The Governor General represents the Queen in Canada and performs ceremonial duties.

Three Levels of Government

1. Federal Government

The federal government handles matters that affect the entire country:

• National defense and foreign affairs
• Immigration and citizenship
• Criminal law
• Banking and currency
• Postal service
• Interprovincial trade

2. Provincial/Territorial Governments

Provinces and territories handle local matters:

• Education and health care
• Highways and transportation
• Natural resources
• Property and civil rights
• Municipal institutions

3. Municipal Governments

Municipalities handle local community matters:

• Local roads and public transit
• Water and sewage
• Police and fire services
• Parks and recreation
• Local planning and zoning

Three Branches of Government

1. Executive Branch

The executive branch includes:

• Prime Minister: Head of government, leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
• Cabinet: Ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to head government departments
• Governor General: Representative of the Queen, appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister

2. Legislative Branch

The legislative branch makes laws and includes:

• House of Commons: Elected representatives (Members of Parliament)
• Senate: Appointed members who review and suggest changes to bills
• Governor General: Gives royal assent to make bills into laws

3. Judicial Branch

The judicial branch interprets and applies laws:

• Supreme Court of Canada: Highest court in the country
• Federal Courts: Handle federal matters
• Provincial Courts: Handle most criminal and civil cases

How Laws Are Made

1. Introduction

A bill (proposed law) is introduced in either the House of Commons or the Senate.

2. First Reading

The bill is read and printed for the first time.

3. Second Reading

Members debate the principle of the bill and vote on whether it should proceed.

4. Committee Stage

A committee examines the bill in detail and may suggest changes.

5. Report Stage

The House considers any changes made by the committee.

6. Third Reading

Final debate and vote on the bill.

7. Senate

The bill goes through the same process in the Senate.

8. Royal Assent

The Governor General gives royal assent, making the bill a law.

Political Parties

Canada has several political parties, with the main ones being:

• Liberal Party: Centrist party, often associated with social programs
• Conservative Party: Right-leaning party, often associated with fiscal responsibility
• New Democratic Party (NDP): Left-leaning party, often associated with workers' rights
• Bloc Québécois: Party focused on Quebec interests
• Green Party: Party focused on environmental issues

Elections

Federal elections are held at least every four years, but can be called earlier. Canadian citizens 18 and older can vote. The voting system is "first-past-the-post," meaning the candidate with the most votes in each riding wins.

Rights and Responsibilities

As Canadian citizens, we have both rights and responsibilities:

Rights

• Right to vote
• Right to run for political office
• Right to a fair trial
• Freedom of speech and religion
• Right to equality

Responsibilities

• Obeying the law
• Paying taxes
• Voting in elections
• Helping others in the community
• Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment

Study Tips for Government Questions

When studying government structure:

• Understand the relationship between different levels of government
• Learn the current Prime Minister and Governor General
• Know the main political parties and their general positions
• Understand how the law-making process works
• Know your rights and responsibilities as a citizen