Canada has a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, making its government system unique. The country is governed by elected officials, while the British monarch remains the head of state. From elections and political parties to the role of the prime minister, understanding Canadian politics is essential for students, citizens, and anyone interested in global affairs.
Test your knowledge with this General Knowledge (GK) Quiz on Canadian Government and Politics, and learn key facts about how the country is governed!
GK Quiz: Canadian Government and Politics
Question 1: Who is the head of state in Canada?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Governor General
C) The King of the United Kingdom
D) The Speaker of the House
✅ Answer: C) The King of the United Kingdom – Canada is a constitutional monarchy, meaning King Charles III is the official head of state, represented by the Governor General in Canada.
Question 2: Who is the head of government in Canada?
A) The King
B) The Prime Minister
C) The Governor General
D) The Chief Justice
✅ Answer: B) The Prime Minister – The Prime Minister is the leader of the government, responsible for making decisions and running the country.
Question 3: What is the name of Canada’s parliament building?
A) The House of Commons
B) Parliament Hill
C) The Senate House
D) The Confederation Building
✅ Answer: B) Parliament Hill – Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Parliament Hill is home to Canada’s House of Commons and the Senate.
Question 4: How often are federal elections held in Canada?
A) Every 3 years
B) Every 4 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 6 years
✅ Answer: B) Every 4 years – Federal elections are usually held every four years, but the prime minister can call an election earlier.
Question 5: How many provinces and territories does Canada have?
A) 10 provinces, 2 territories
B) 10 provinces, 3 territories
C) 9 provinces, 3 territories
D) 12 provinces, 2 territories
✅ Answer: B) 10 provinces, 3 territories – Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its own government.
Question 6: What are the two main political parties in Canada?
A) Conservative Party and Green Party
B) Liberal Party and Conservative Party
C) NDP and Bloc Québécois
D) Liberal Party and People’s Party
✅ Answer: B) Liberal Party and Conservative Party – These are the two major political parties, while the NDP, Bloc Québécois, and Green Party are also influential.
Question 7: Who is responsible for representing the King in Canada?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Speaker of the House
C) The Governor General
D) The Chief Justice
✅ Answer: C) The Governor General – Appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor General carries out ceremonial duties and gives Royal Assent to laws.
Question 8: What is the role of the Senate in Canada?
A) To propose and pass all laws
B) To represent the monarchy
C) To review and amend laws
D) To elect the Prime Minister
✅ Answer: C) To review and amend laws – The Senate acts as a “house of sober second thought”, reviewing laws passed by the House of Commons.
Question 9: How many seats are in the House of Commons?
A) 308
B) 338
C) 350
D) 400
✅ Answer: B) 338 – Canada’s House of Commons has 338 seats, with each Member of Parliament (MP) representing a specific riding (district).
Question 10: What is the legal voting age in Canada?
A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25
✅ Answer: B) 18 – Canadian citizens 18 years and older can vote in federal elections.
FAQs: Canadian Government and Politics
1. What type of government does Canada have?
Canada has a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This means elected officials make decisions, but the King remains the symbolic head of state.
2. What is the difference between the Prime Minister and the Governor General?
- The Prime Minister is the head of government, elected by the people and responsible for running the country.
- The Governor General is the King’s representative in Canada, performing ceremonial duties.
3. How does Canada elect its government?
Canada uses a first-past-the-post system, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected in 338 ridings. The party that wins the most seats forms the government, and its leader becomes Prime Minister.
4. What are the three branches of government in Canada?
- Executive – Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Governor General
- Legislative – House of Commons and Senate (makes laws)
- Judicial – Supreme Court and federal judges (interprets laws)
5. How are Senators chosen in Canada?
Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister and serve until they retire at age 75.
6. What is a minority government?
A minority government happens when the ruling party wins the most seats but does not have a majority (170+ seats). This means they need support from other parties to pass laws.
7. Who was Canada’s first Prime Minister?
Sir John A. Macdonald was Canada’s first Prime Minister, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891.
Final Thoughts: How Well Do You Know Canadian Politics?
Understanding Canada’s government and political system is essential for students, voters, and anyone interested in democracy. From the role of the Prime Minister to how elections work, this GK quiz helps test your knowledge!
💬 How many questions did you answer correctly? Share your score in the comments! 🇨🇦🗳️