How Canadians Govern Themselves – Citizenship Test Guide
How Canadians Govern Themselves – Part 3
Canada is a democratic country where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The Canadian system balances power through different institutions and levels of government to ensure fairness and accountability.
How Canadians Govern Themselves
1. Parliamentary System
Canada uses a parliamentary system based on British traditions. In this system:
Citizens elect Members of Parliament (MPs)
MPs discuss national issues, make decisions, and pass laws
The political party with the most elected MPs forms the government
The party leader becomes the Prime Minister
This connects the executive branch to elected representatives in Parliament.
How Canadians Govern Themselves
2. Three Levels of Government
Canada has three main levels of government, each responsible for different services and policies:
Federal Government
Responsible for national matters such as:
Defense and security
Citizenship and immigration
Foreign affairs
Currency
Federal transportation and communication
How Canadians Govern Themselves
Provincial and Territorial Governments
Manage areas such as:
Health care
Education
Transportation within the province
Civil law and property rights
Natural resources
Municipal or Local Governments
Handle community services like:
Public transportation
Local policing
Water and sanitation
Fire services
Public libraries
Waste management
How Canadians Govern Themselves
3. Division of Powers
The Constitution outlines the powers of each level of government. This prevents confusion and ensures that public services are delivered efficiently. Some responsibilities may be shared between levels, such as environmental protection and policing.
How Canadians Govern Themselves
4. Role of the Crown in Government
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch is the symbolic head of state and is represented by:
The Governor General at the federal level
Lieutenant Governors at the provincial level
Their duties are mostly ceremonial, but they perform important constitutional roles, including:
Opening Parliament
Giving Royal Assent to laws
Dissolving Parliament for elections (on the advice of the Prime Minister)
How Canadians Govern Themselves
5. Democratic Accountability
Elected representatives must:
Listen to citizens
Debate and vote on laws
Answer questions from opposition parties and the public
Canadians hold governments accountable through:
Regular elections
Public debate
Media involvement
Peaceful political participation
How Canadians Govern Themselves


