CHAPTER 6 · 10 QUESTIONS

How Canadians Govern Themselves

Think of your answer, then open it to check. Every answer cites the Discover Canada page.

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  1. Question 1
    There are three key facts about how Canada is governed. Which phrase describes the system correctly?

    1. Absolute monarchy ruled directly by the King
    2. Single national government with no provinces
    3. Republic with an elected president as Head of State
    4. Federal state, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Federal state, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy

    The guide gives three key facts: federal state, parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

  2. Question 2
    Parliament makes Canada's federal laws, and it has three parts. What are they?

    1. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons
    2. The Senate, the Supreme Court and the House of Commons
    3. The Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the courts
    4. The Governor General, the premiers and the mayors
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons

    Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the elected House of Commons.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

  3. Question 3
    A bill goes through several readings in the House of Commons before it becomes law. What happens at the second reading?

    1. The bill receives royal assent
    2. The bill is printed for the first time
    3. Members debate the bill's principle
    4. A committee studies it clause by clause
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Members debate the bill's principle

    At second reading, members debate the principle of the bill.

    Discover Canada, p. 29 · Read the notes for this chapter

  4. Question 4
    Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Who is the country's Head of State?

    1. The Chief Justice
    2. A hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King)
    3. The Prime Minister
    4. The Speaker of the House of Commons
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King)

    Canada is a constitutional monarchy, so its Head of State is the Sovereign.

    Discover Canada, p. 29 · Read the notes for this chapter

  5. Question 5
    The division of powers between Ottawa and the provinces was set out at Confederation. In which document were federal and provincial responsibilities first defined in 1867?

    1. The Official Languages Act
    2. The British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867)
    3. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)
    4. The Quebec Act
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867)

    Responsibilities were set out in the BNA Act, now called the Constitution Act, 1867.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

  6. Question 6
    Members of the House of Commons are elected, but senators are not. How do senators get their seats?

    1. Elected by members of the House of Commons
    2. Appointed on the Prime Minister's advice
    3. Elected by voters in each province
    4. Chosen by the provincial premiers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Appointed on the Prime Minister's advice

    Senators are appointed, not elected, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

  7. Question 7
    After second reading, a bill goes to a smaller group of members for closer study. What happens at the committee stage?

    1. Members study the bill clause by clause
    2. The Senate reviews it
    3. The Governor General signs it
    4. Members vote on it for the last time
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Members study the bill clause by clause

    Committee members examine the bill clause by clause.

    Discover Canada, p. 29 · Read the notes for this chapter

  8. Question 8
    Canada has both a Head of State and a head of government. Who is the head of government?

    1. The Prime Minister
    2. The Lieutenant Governor
    3. The Governor General
    4. The Sovereign
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister directs the governing of the country; the Sovereign is Head of State.

    Discover Canada, p. 29 · Read the notes for this chapter

  9. Question 9
    Some responsibilities belong to the federal government because they concern the whole country. Which of these is a federal responsibility?

    1. Municipal government
    2. Education
    3. Defence
    4. Highways
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Defence

    National and international matters, such as defence, belong to the federal government.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

  10. Question 10
    Once appointed, senators do not serve for life. Until what age may they serve?

    1. 70
    2. 80
    3. 65
    4. 75
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 75

    Senators serve until age 75.

    Discover Canada, p. 28 · Read the notes for this chapter

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