CHAPTER 7 · 10 QUESTIONS

Federal Elections

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  1. Question 1
    Canadians elect representatives to the House of Commons in Ottawa. What is another name for these members?

    1. Minister of the Crown
    2. Member of Parliament (MP)
    3. Alderman
    4. Senator
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Member of Parliament (MP)

    Members of the House of Commons are also called members of Parliament, or MPs.

    Discover Canada, p. 30 · Read the notes for this chapter

  2. Question 2
    A new citizen wants to vote in the next federal election. How old must they be on election day?

    1. At least 18 on voting day
    2. At least 16 on voting day
    3. At least 25 on voting day
    4. At least 21 on voting day
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 18 on voting day

    You must be a citizen, at least 18 on voting day, and on the voters' list.

    Discover Canada, p. 30 · Read the notes for this chapter

  3. Question 3
    After a federal election, which person is usually invited to form the government?

    1. The leader of the party with the most senators
    2. The MP who got the most votes nationally
    3. The candidate chosen by the provinces
    4. The leader of the party with the most seats
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The leader of the party with the most seats

    The Governor General normally asks the leader of the party that wins the most House of Commons seats.

    Discover Canada, p. 31 · Read the notes for this chapter

  4. Question 4
    Canadian elections use a secret ballot. What does that mean for you when you vote?

    1. Only your family may see how you voted
    2. Votes are counted privately by the Prime Minister
    3. No one may watch you vote or force you to say how you voted
    4. Your employer receives a copy of your vote
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No one may watch you vote or force you to say how you voted

    The law protects the secrecy of your vote, even from family and employers.

    Discover Canada, p. 31 · Read the notes for this chapter

  5. Question 5
    On election day you receive a federal ballot at the polling station. How do you mark your choice?

    1. Circle the candidate's photo
    2. Sign your name beside the candidate
    3. Write the party's name on the back
    4. Put an X in the circle beside a name
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Put an X in the circle beside a name

    You mark an X in the circle for the candidate you choose.

    Discover Canada, p. 32 · Read the notes for this chapter

  6. Question 6
    Cities and towns have councils that pass their own local laws. What are these laws called?

    1. Charters
    2. Statutes
    3. By-laws
    4. Proclamations
    Show answer

    Answer: C. By-laws

    Municipal councils pass by-laws that affect only the local community.

    Discover Canada, p. 33 · Read the notes for this chapter

  7. Question 7
    Under federal law, there is a normal schedule for federal elections. When are they held?

    1. Whenever the Senate decides to hold one
    2. On the first Monday in May, every five years
    3. On July 1, every three years
    4. Third Monday in October, every four years
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Third Monday in October, every four years

    Fixed-date elections fall on the third Monday in October, four years after the last general election, unless one is called earlier.

    Discover Canada, p. 30 · Read the notes for this chapter

  8. Question 8
    For federal elections, Canada is divided into electoral districts, also called ridings. What is a riding?

    1. A building where ballots are counted
    2. A geographical area represented by one MP
    3. A province's capital city
    4. A group of courts in a region
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A geographical area represented by one MP

    Each electoral district, also called a riding or constituency, elects one MP.

    Discover Canada, p. 30 · Read the notes for this chapter

  9. Question 9
    After an election, the type of government depends on how many seats the winning party holds. What is a majority government?

    1. When the party in power holds most Senate seats
    2. When every MP belongs to one party
    3. When the party in power holds a third of the seats
    4. When the governing party has half or more of the House seats
    Show answer

    Answer: D. When the governing party has half or more of the House seats

    With half or more of the seats in the House of Commons, a government has a majority.

    Discover Canada, p. 31 · Read the notes for this chapter

  10. Question 10
    After you vote, a relative or your boss asks who you voted for. Who can demand that you reveal how you voted?

    1. Your employer, if you work for the government
    2. Your family only
    3. No one, not even family or an employer
    4. Your employer only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No one, not even family or an employer

    You may choose to share it, but nobody can demand it.

    Discover Canada, p. 31 · Read the notes for this chapter

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