Chapter 5 of 10Study notes and practice quiz
How Canadians Govern Themselves
Federal state, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy: who does what in Canada’s government, and how a bill becomes law.
- 9 minreading
- 58questions
- 75%pass mark
- Oct 2026updated
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Key facts in 60 seconds
- Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
- Federal: defence, foreign policy, currency, criminal law, citizenship. Provincial: education, health, natural resources, highways.
- Agriculture and immigration are shared responsibilities.
- Parliament = the Sovereign, the Senate (appointed) and the House of Commons (elected).
- Senators are appointed on the Prime Minister’s advice and serve until age 75.
- The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada; Lieutenant Governors in the provinces.
What kind of government does Canada have?
Canada is a federal state, a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Power is shared between the federal and provincial governments, voters elect representatives, and the Sovereign is head of state.
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Federal state | Responsibilities are divided between the federal government and the provinces. |
| Parliamentary democracy | Citizens elect representatives to the House of Commons and to provincial and territorial legislatures. The Cabinet must keep the confidence of the elected House. |
| Constitutional monarchy | The Sovereign (King Charles III) is head of state and reigns under the Constitution. The Prime Minister is head of government. |
What do the federal and provincial governments each do?
The federal government handles national and international matters such as defence, foreign policy, currency and citizenship. The provinces handle education, health, natural resources and highways. Agriculture and immigration are shared.
| Federal government | Provincial governments |
|---|---|
| National defence | Municipal government |
| Foreign policy | Education |
| Interprovincial trade and communications | Health |
| Currency | Natural resources |
| Navigation | Property and civil rights |
| Criminal law | Highways |
| Citizenship |
These divisions were set out in 1867 in what is now the Constitution Act, 1867.
Health and education are provincial. Immigration and agriculture are shared between both levels.
What is Parliament, and how does a bill become law?
Parliament has three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons. A bill becomes law after three readings in each chamber and Royal Assent.
Members of the House of Commons are elected, traditionally every four years. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. First reading | The bill is introduced and printed. |
| 2. Second reading | Members debate the principle of the bill. |
| 3. Committee stage | A committee studies the bill clause by clause. |
| 4. Report stage | Members can propose changes. |
| 5. Third reading | Final debate and vote. |
| 6. Senate | The bill goes through similar stages in the Senate. |
| 7. Royal Assent | The Governor General gives Royal Assent and the bill becomes law. |
Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?
The Governor General represents the Sovereign at the federal level, and a Lieutenant Governor represents the Sovereign in each province. Both are usually appointed for five years.
The Sovereign is the hereditary head of state and plays a non-partisan role. The Governor General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. In each of the ten provinces, the Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The three territories are not provinces. A Commissioner represents the federal government in each territory in a ceremonial role.
| Level | Head of government | Represents the Sovereign |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Prime Minister | Governor General |
| Provincial | Premier | Lieutenant Governor |
| Territorial | Premier | Commissioner (represents the federal government) |
What are the three branches of government?
Canada’s government has three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. They work together, and sometimes in creative tension, to protect the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
| Branch | Role |
|---|---|
| Executive | The Prime Minister and Cabinet run the government. |
| Legislative | Parliament and the provincial legislatures make laws. |
| Judicial | Independent courts interpret and apply the law. |
Elected members of provincial and territorial legislatures have different titles:
- MLAMember of the Legislative Assembly (most provinces and territories).
- MNAMember of the National Assembly (Quebec).
- MPPMember of Provincial Parliament (Ontario).
- MHAMember of the House of Assembly (Newfoundland and Labrador).
Quick review before the quiz
Check these facts before you start the quiz.
- Three key facts: federal state, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy.
- Federal: defence, foreign policy, currency, criminal law, citizenship. Provincial: education, health, highways. Shared: agriculture, immigration.
- Parliament: Sovereign + Senate + House of Commons. Senators serve to 75.
- Bill: three readings in each chamber, then Royal Assent.
- Governor General (federal), Lieutenant Governor (province), Commissioner (territory).
Test what you remember with the 58-question chapter 5 quiz.
These notes are an independent summary written to help you study. The official guide, Discover Canada, should be your primary resource. Canadianow is not affiliated with IRCC.
Chapter 5 practice quiz
Questions
Chapter 5 FAQ
What are the three parts of Parliament?
The Sovereign, the Senate and the House of Commons.
Who is responsible for education and health care in Canada?
The provincial and territorial governments. National defence, foreign policy, currency and citizenship are federal responsibilities.
Until what age do senators serve?
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister’s advice and serve until age 75.
