Canada's system of government: a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy, and a federal state.
Constitutional monarchy
- Canada's head of state is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King) who reigns under the Constitution and the rule of law.
- The Sovereign is represented federally by the Governor General and in each province by a Lieutenant Governor.
- Governor General typically serves a five-year term, chosen by the PM.
Three branches of government
- Executive: the Crown, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the federal public service — puts laws into effect.
- Legislative: the Sovereign, the Senate, and the House of Commons — makes laws.
- Judicial: the courts — apply and interpret the laws.
Parliament
- Three parts: the Sovereign, the Senate, and the House of Commons.
- Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to the House of Commons by voters in each electoral district (riding).
- Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
- There are 338 elected MPs and 105 appointed senators (numbers may change with redistribution).
Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The leader of the political party with the most MPs becomes Prime Minister.
- The PM chooses Cabinet ministers, who are usually MPs.
- Cabinet sets government policy; Cabinet ministers are responsible to the elected representatives.
Three levels of government
- Federal: national defence, foreign policy, citizenship, criminal law, currency.
- Provincial/territorial: education, healthcare, civil law, natural resources.
- Municipal (city/local): local services such as schools (administration), roads, fire and police.