Government

Question 1

What is a representative democracy?

Answer 1

A democracy where representatives are elected by the public

Question 2

What is a representative democracy?

Answer 2

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 3

What distinguishes direct democracy from representative democracy?

Answer 3

In direct democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making.

Question 4

Define constitutional monarchy.

Answer 4

A form of government where a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution.

Question 5

What is meant by ‘session of Parliament’?

Answer 5

A period during which Parliament meets to conduct its business.

Question 6

Who is referred to as the monarch?

Answer 6

The reigning king or queen in a constitutional monarchy.

Question 7

What is the role of the head of state?

Answer 7

The ceremonial leader of a country, often a monarch or president.

Question 8

What is the function of the Governor General?

Answer 8

To represent the monarch in a country that is a constitutional monarchy.

Question 9

What is a federal election?

Answer 9

An election held to choose representatives for the federal government.

Question 10

What is executive power?

Answer 10

The authority to enforce laws and manage the affairs of government.

Question 11

What does the legislative branch do?

Answer 11

It is responsible for making laws.

Question 12

What is the role of the judicial branch?

Answer 12

To interpret laws and administer justice.

Question 13

What is the House of Commons?

Answer 13

The lower house of Parliament, consisting of elected representatives.

Question 14

What is the Senate?

Answer 14

The upper house of Parliament, consisting of appointed members.

Question 15

What is the official opposition?

Answer 15

The political party with the second-largest number of seats in Parliament.

Question 16

What is a riding/constituency?

Answer 16

An electoral district upon which Canada’s representative democracy is based

Question 17

What characterizes a majority government?

Answer 17

A government formed by a political party that has more than half the seats in Parliament.

Question 18

What defines a minority government?

Answer 18

A government formed by a political party that has less than half the seats in Parliament.

Question 19

Who is a Member of Parliament (MP)?

Answer 19

An elected representative in the House of Commons.

Question 20

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Answer 20

The head of government who leads the executive branch.

Question 21

What is a senator?

Answer 21

A member of the Senate.

Question 22

What is a Cabinet?

Answer 22

A group of senior government officials, typically heads of government departments.

Question 23

What is a Cabinet Minister?

Answer 23

A member of the Cabinet responsible for a specific government department.

Question 24

What is a Cabinet Portfolio?

Answer 24

The specific responsibilities assigned to a Cabinet Minister.

Question 25

What is a Shadow Cabinet?

Answer 25

A group of senior opposition members who examine the work of the Cabinet.

Question 26

What does the Speaker of the House do?

Answer 26

Presides over the House of Commons and maintains order during debates.

Question 27

What is a political party?

Answer 27

An organized group of people with similar political goals and ideologies.

Question 28

What is a caucus?

Answer 28

A meeting of members of a political party to discuss policy and strategy.

Question 29

What is a Bill?

Answer 29

A proposal for new legislation.

Question 30

What is Cabinet solidarity?

Answer 30

The principle that all Cabinet members must publicly support decisions made by the Cabinet.

Question 31

What is party solidarity?

Answer 31

The expectation that members of a political party will support party decisions.

Question 32

What is Royal Assent?

Answer 32

The formal approval by the monarch or Governor General for a bill to become law.

Question 33

What is the public service/civil service?

Answer 33

The body of government officials who are employed in the public sector.

Question 34

Define bureaucracy.

Answer 34

A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Question 35

What are backbenchers?

Answer 35

Members of Parliament who do not hold ministerial positions.

Question 36

What does it mean to be independent in Parliament?

Answer 36

To be a member who does not belong to any political party.

Question 37

What is a Private Member's Bill?

Answer 37

A bill introduced by a member of Parliament who is not a Cabinet Minister.

Question 38

What is a free vote?

Answer 38

A vote where members of a political party can vote according to their conscience rather than party lines.

Question 39

What occurs during Question Period?

Answer 39

Members of Parliament ask questions of the government.

Question 40

What are the First, Second, and Third Readings?

Answer 40

Stages in the legislative process for a bill in Parliament.

Question 41

Who is the Leader of the Official Opposition?

Answer 41

The head of the political party that is the largest opposition party in Parliament.

Question 42

What does 'crossing the floor' mean?

Answer 42

When a member of Parliament changes their party allegiance.

Question 43

What is a Premier?

Answer 43

The head of government in a province.

Question 44

What is a Lieutenant Governor?

Answer 44

The representative of the monarch in a province.

Question 45

What is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)?

Answer 45

An elected representative in the provincial legislature.

Question 46

What is municipal government?

Answer 46

The local government responsible for a city or town.

Question 47

What is the role of a Mayor?

Answer 47

The elected head of a municipal government.

Question 48

What is a city council?

Answer 48

The legislative body that governs a city.