How Canadians govern themselves. Practice questions
20 questions, no clock, with the answer explained as you go. Use the timed exams when you want to know if you are ready.
Free to read, always
All 20 questions and answers
Every question here was checked by hand against Discover Canada. How we check
1.What is the role of the courts in Canada?
- ATo make the laws
- BTo enforce the laws
- CTo appoint the police
- DTo settle disputes
Canada's laws are intended to provide order in society, offer a peaceful way to settle disputes, and express the values and beliefs of Canadians. (The justice system)
2.What is the role of the opposition parties?
- ATo appoint senators
- BTo administer the government departments
- CTo peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals
- DTo grant royal assent
The role of opposition parties is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals. (After an election: government and opposition)
3.Who appoints the Governor General?
- AThe Sovereign, on the advice of the Prime Minister
- BThe premiers of the provinces, acting together
- CThe House of Commons, by a vote of MPs
- DThe Senate, by a vote of its members
The Governor General is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually for five years. (The Governor General and the Lieutenant Governors)
4.Who is entitled to vote in Canadian federal elections?
- ACanadian citizens who are 21 years old or older
- BAny resident of Canada who is 18 years or older
- CCanadian citizens at least 18 years old who are on the voters’ list
- DProperty owners aged 18 or over on voting day
To vote in a federal election you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day, and on the voters' list. (Who can vote, and the secret ballot)
5.Which kind of vote is considered a matter of confidence?
- AAny vote in the Senate
- BA vote on a major issue such as the budget
- CA vote on a private member’s bill
- DA vote to elect the Speaker
A vote on a major issue such as the budget is considered a matter of confidence. (After an election: government and opposition)
6.Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves?
- AProvincial premiers
- BThe Commissioner
- CMunicipal mayors
- DBand chiefs and councillors
First Nations have band chiefs and councillors who have major responsibilities on reserves, including housing and schools. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
7.For how long has the Crown been a symbol of the state in Canada?
- A800 years
- B150 years
- C400 years
- D60 years
The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years. (Constitutional monarchy and the Sovereign)
8.How are senators chosen?
- AThey are elected by the voters of each province
- BThey are chosen by the premiers of the provinces and territories
- CThey are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister
- DThey are appointed by the Supreme Court of Canada
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75. (Parliament and how a bill becomes law)
9.What are laws passed by a municipal council called?
- AOrders in Council
- BBy-laws
- COrdinances of the Crown
- DStatutes
By-laws are what a municipal council passes, and they bind only the local community. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
10.Which Act defined federal and provincial responsibilities in 1867?
- AThe Quebec Act
- BThe British North America Act
- CThe Official Languages Act
- DThe Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments were defined in 1867 in the British North America Act, now known as the Constitution Act, 1867. (Canada as a federal state)
11.How many members are there in the House of Commons?
- A308
- B338
- C295
- D343
There are 343 members of the House of Commons following the 2025 general election. (The House of Commons today)
12.What is an electoral district in Canada also called?
- AA ward or a division
- BA county or a parish
- CA riding or a constituency
- DA region or a district council
An electoral district is also known as a riding or a constituency. (Federal elections)
13.What must happen before a bill becomes law in Canada?
- AA referendum must be held on the question
- BThe Supreme Court of Canada must approve it
- CThe Cabinet must vote for it unanimously
- DBoth chambers must pass it and it must receive royal assent
No bill can become law in Canada until it has been passed by both chambers and has received royal assent. (Parliament and how a bill becomes law)
14.Who becomes the MP for an electoral district?
- AThe candidate who receives the most votes
- BThe candidate appointed by the Governor General
- CThe candidate chosen by the provincial premier
- DThe candidate with the most party members
The candidate who receives the most votes becomes the MP for that electoral district. (Federal elections)
15.From what age should Canadians participate by voting?
- A21
- B25
- C18
- D16
It is important for Canadians aged 18 or more to participate in their democracy by voting in federal, provincial or territorial and municipal elections. (Three facts about Canada’s system of government)
16.Which court deals with matters concerning the federal government?
- AThe Supreme Court of Canada
- BThe Court of Queen’s Bench
- CA small claims court
- DThe Federal Court of Canada
The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government. (The justice system)
17.Who usually heads a municipal government?
- AA commissioner
- BA lieutenant governor
- CA band chief
- DA mayor or a reeve
A municipal council usually includes a mayor or a reeve and councillors or aldermen. (Provincial, territorial and municipal government)
18.In Canada, are you allowed to question the police about their service or conduct?
- AOnly where you have a lawyer present with you
- BOnly through your member of Parliament in Ottawa
- CNo — questioning an officer’s conduct is an offence
- DYes — almost all forces have a process for bringing concerns
Concerns about police service or conduct are yours to raise. (The police)
19.Until what age do senators serve?
- A75
- B70
- CUntil they resign
- D65
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75. (Parliament and how a bill becomes law)
20.Which level of government is responsible for criminal law?
- AThe federal government
- BThe courts alone
- CThe provinces
- DMunicipal governments
The federal government takes responsibility for defence, foreign policy, interprovincial trade and communications, currency, navigation, criminal law and citizenship. (Canada as a federal state)