Government and Politics: Citizenship Test Practice Questions
Government and Politics is one of the seven topics in Discover Canada, the official guide every real test question comes from. It covers: How Canadians govern themselves: federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government, the three branches of government, Parliament, the Constitution, elections and how laws are made.
Of the 280 questions in our practice bank, 40 are Government and Politics questions. On a typical 20-question test you can expect roughly 3 from this topic. Below are 9 sample questions with answers and explanations to show you exactly what to prepare for.
Sample Government and Politics Questions and Answers
Try each question before expanding the answer. Every question below also appears in one of our free practice tests.
1. What are the three types of government in Canada?
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Explanation
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy, and a federal state. This means the Sovereign is the head of state, the Parliament makes laws through elected representatives, and powers are shared between federal and provincial governments.
2. Who represents the Sovereign in Canada?
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Explanation
The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada. The Governor General is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister and carries out the royal duties in Canada on behalf of the King or Queen.
3. What are the two chambers of Canada's Parliament?
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Explanation
Canada's Parliament consists of two chambers: the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Commons (Lower House). Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, while Members of Parliament in the House of Commons are elected by Canadian citizens.
4. How are Senators chosen in Canada?
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Explanation
Senators in Canada are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Senate is the upper house of Parliament and its members are not elected but appointed to represent their regions.
5. How is voting done in Canadian elections?
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Explanation
Voting in Canadian elections is done by secret ballot. This means that no one can watch you vote and no one should ask you who you voted for. The secret ballot ensures that citizens can vote freely without pressure or intimidation from others.
6. What is the leader of a provincial government called?
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Explanation
The leader of a provincial government in Canada is called the Premier. The Premier is the head of the provincial executive council and is typically the leader of the political party that holds the most seats in the provincial legislature.
7. Which of the following is a responsibility of the federal government?
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Explanation
National defence is a responsibility of the federal government of Canada. Other federal responsibilities include foreign affairs, citizenship and immigration, criminal law, and banking. Education and property and civil rights fall under provincial jurisdiction, while municipal zoning is a local government responsibility.
8. Name one responsibility of municipal (local) governments in Canada.
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Explanation
Municipal or local governments in Canada are responsible for services such as snow removal, recycling programs, maintaining parks and libraries, local police and fire departments, local roads, and public transit. These are day-to-day services that directly affect residents in their communities.
9. After a federal election, how is the government formed in Canada?
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Explanation
Ordinarily 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. If the party in power holds at least half of the seats, this is called a majority government; if less than half, it is called a minority government.
Practise Government and Politics Until It Sticks
The app has 14 dedicated category tests, so you can practise Government & Politics questions on their own. All 16 mock exams, every question in 13 languages, and weak-spot tracking, all in the app.
Study This Topic First
Prefer to read before you practise? Our Government and Politics study guide breaks down everything this part of Discover Canada tests.
Read the Government and Politics study guide