civics unit 2

Question 1

What are the 3 Levels of Government in Canada?

Answer 1

• Federal
• Provincial/Territorial
• Municipal

These levels define the structure of governance in Canada.

Question 2

Federal Government: What is its focus?

Answer 2

“Big Picture” - National stuff. Think: Canada as a whole.

Question 3

Federal Government: What are its Key Responsibilities?

Answer 3

• Defense
• Foreign Affairs
• Money
• National Laws
• Big Services (like EI, CPP)

Mnemonic: “Federal Defends Foreign Matters, National Laws and Big Services” (FD FMNLBS)

Question 4

Provincial/Territorial Government: What is its focus?

Answer 4

“Regional Experts” - Each province/territory does its own thing. Think: Your province/territory.

Question 5

Provincial/Territorial Government: What are its Key Responsibilities?

Answer 5

• Healthcare
• Education
• Local Resources
• Provincial Laws

Mnemonic: “Provincial Helps Educate, Locates Resources, Provincial Laws” (PHELPL)

Question 6

Municipal Government: What is its focus?

Answer 6

“Local Heroes” - Deals with your neighborhood. Think: Your town/city.

Question 7

Municipal Government: What are its Key Responsibilities?

Answer 7

• Roads
• Garbage
• Parks
• Local Services

Mnemonic: “Municipal Runs Garbage, Parks, Local Services” (MRGPLS)

Question 8

What is the main idea to remember about Jurisdiction?

Answer 8

Remember the “who does what” aspect.

Question 9

What is the main idea to remember about Federal?

Answer 9

Think of Canada.

Question 10

What is the main idea to remember about Provincial?

Answer 10

Think of your home province.

Question 11

What is the main idea to remember about Municipal?

Answer 11

Think of your city/town.

Question 12

What is the role of a Political Party?

Answer 12

Parties provide a platform for voters, recruit candidates, organize campaigns, and form governments.

Question 13

What is the Canadian Political Spectrum (Left to Right)?

Answer 13

• Left: NDP (New Democratic Party), Green Party
• Right: Conservative Party
• Center: Liberal Party

Question 14

How does a Federal Bill Become a Law?

Answer 14

Introduced in the House of Commons, goes through three readings, is reviewed by committees, may be debated in the Senate, and receives Royal Assent from the Governor General.

Question 15

How does a Provincial Bill Become a Law?

Answer 15

The process is similar, but the bill is introduced in the provincial legislature, and Royal Assent is given by the Lieutenant Governor.

Question 16

Define Governor General.

Answer 16

Represents the Queen in Canada at the federal level.

Question 17

Define Lieutenant Governor.

Answer 17

Represents the Queen in Canada at the provincial level.

Question 18

Define Seat.

Answer 18

A position in the legislature (e.g., House of Commons or provincial assembly).

Question 19

Define Backbenchers.

Answer 19

Members of Parliament or the legislature who do not hold cabinet positions.

Question 20

Define Senate.

Answer 20

The upper house of the federal parliament.

Question 21

Define Cabinet.

Answer 21

The group of ministers who advise the prime minister or premier and head government departments.

Question 22

Define Riding.

Answer 22

An electoral district.

Question 23

Define Advance Polls.

Answer 23

Voting opportunities before the official election day.

Question 24

What is the Age of Voting in Canada?

Answer 24

18 years old.

Question 25

What is First Past the Post (FPTP)?

Answer 25

The candidate with the most votes in each riding (electoral district) wins.

Question 26

What are the Pros and Cons of First Past the Post (FPTP)?

Answer 26

* Pros: Simple to understand and administer; usually produces strong majority governments. * Cons: Can lead to disproportionate results; smaller parties are often under-represented.

Question 27

What is Proportional Representation (PR)?

Answer 27

In PR systems, the number of seats a party wins is roughly proportional to its share of the national vote.

Question 28

What are the Pros and Cons of Proportional Representation (PR)?

Answer 28

* Pros: More accurate reflection of public opinion; gives smaller parties a better chance. * Cons: Can lead to coalition governments which may be unstable.

Question 29

Define *Majority Government*.

Answer 29

One party holds more than half the seats in the legislature.

Question 30

Define *Minority Government*.

Answer 30

No single party holds a majority of seats.

Question 31

Define *Coalition Government*.

Answer 31

Two or more parties form a formal alliance to govern together.