Federal Elections Flashcards
(46 cards)
What happens in each election?
Voters may re-elect the same members of the House of Commons or choose new ones.
What is another name for the members of the House of Commons?
Members of Parliament (MPs)
When are federal elections held?
Under legislation passed by Parliament, federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years following the most recent general election.
Who must ask whom to call for an earlier election?
The Prime Minister may ask the Governor General
How many electoral districts compromises Canada?
308
What is another name for electoral districts?
Ridings or constituencies
What is an electoral district?
A geographical area represented by a member of Parliament (MP).
Who selects the MP for each electoral district?
The citizens in each electoral district elect one MP who sits in the House of Commons to represent them, as well as all Canadians.
Who may run in a federal election?
Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or older
What is the name for those who run for office?
Candidates
What are the criteria that makes you elegible to vote in a federal election?
You must be:
a Canadian citizen; and
at least 18 years old on voting day; and
on the voters’ list.
What is the voters’ list?
This is a permanent database of Canadian citizens 18 years of age or older who are qualified to vote in federal elections and referendums.
Who produces the Voters’ list?
It is produced from the National Register of Electors by a neutral agency of Parliament called Elections Canada.
What happens once an election is called?
Elections Canada mails a voter information card to each elector whose name is in the National Register of Electors. The card lists when and where you vote and the number to call if you require an interpreter or other special services.
What is a secret ballot?
No one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted
What happens after an election?
The leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the Governor General to form the government. After being appointed by the Governor General, the leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister.
What is a majority government?
If the party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons
What is a minority government?
If the party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons
What is considered a matter of confidence?
When the House of Commons votes on a major issue such as the budget
What happens if a majority of the members of the House of Commons vote against a major government decision?
The party in power is defeated, which usually results in the Prime Minister asking the Governor General, on behalf of the Sovereign, to call an election.
Who chooses the ministers of the Crown?
The prime minister
Where are most ministers of the Crown from?
Most of them from among members of the House of Commons.
What are cabinet ministers responsible for?
Running the federal government departments
What is the Cabinet and who is it compromised of?
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers are called the Cabinet and they make important decisions about how the country is governed. They prepare the budget and propose most new laws. Their decisions can be questioned by all members of the House of Commons.
