The Politics of Canada: Explore the Canadian Political System

Question 1

How can the Canadian Constitution be amended?

Accepted Answer

By the Canadian Parliament, with the consent of a majority of the provinces representing at least half of the population.

Answer

Only through a vote in the Canadian Parliament.

Answer

With the consent of every provincial and territorial government.

Answer

By any provincial or territorial government.

Question 2

In Canadian federalism, which principle involves sharing powers between the federal government and the provinces?

Accepted Answer

Division of powers between federal and provincial governments

Answer

Centralization of powers at the federal level

Answer

Unilateral right of provinces to secede from the federation

Answer

Exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government over natural resources

Question 3

According to Canada's Constitution, which area of jurisdiction is **not** the responsibility of the federal government?

Accepted Answer

Setting educational policies

Answer

Regulating trade and commerce

Answer

Providing a national postal service

Answer

Governing immigration

Question 4

A defining characteristic of the Canadian constitution is that:

Accepted Answer

It is the supreme law of the land.

Answer

It consists of a single, codified document.

Answer

It can be amended by the federal government alone.

Answer

It does not include a bill of rights.

Question 5

Which fundamental principle is a defining characteristic of Canadian political culture?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing individual freedoms and rights

Answer

Restricting government involvement in the economy

Answer

Experiencing low voter participation

Answer

Tolerating significant economic inequalities

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT included in the Canadian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Statute of Westminster

Answer

The Constitution Act, 1867

Answer

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer

The Constitution Act, 1982

Question 7

What sets the Canadian Constitution apart from other constitutions?

Accepted Answer

It's a codified document, mainly based on the Constitution Act, 1867.

Answer

It can be changed with a simple majority vote in Parliament.

Answer

It's the oldest constitution in the world that's still in use.

Answer

It's entirely based on common law principles.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT one of the three traditional branches of the Canadian government?

Accepted Answer

The Crown

Answer

The Executive

Answer

The Legislature

Answer

The Judiciary

Question 9

Which fundamental principle underpins Canada's parliamentary system?

Accepted Answer

Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and Senate, holds supreme legislative authority.

Answer

The Prime Minister, as Head of State, can dissolve Parliament.

Question 10

Which of the following topics is NOT covered in the unit 'The Politics of Canada'?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Healthcare System

Answer

The Canadian Constitution

Answer

The Canadian Electoral System

Answer

The Canadian Foreign Policy

Question 11

Which function does NOT belong to the Canadian Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Declaring war

Answer

Enacting laws

Answer

Approving or rejecting the budget

Answer

Supervising the government

Question 12

Which element is crucial in shaping the unique characteristics of the Canadian electoral system?

Accepted Answer

Regional and provincial representation

Answer

Ranked-choice voting system

Answer

Mandatory voter participation

Question 13

Which defining feature of Canadian political culture emphasizes reconciling diverse perspectives through collaborative decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Compromise and consensus-building

Answer

Individualism and self-reliance

Answer

Strong national identity and patriotism

Answer

Apathy and low political participation

Question 14

Which court holds the highest position in the Canadian legal system?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court of Canada

Answer

Federal Court of Canada

Answer

Provincial Court of Canada

Answer

Court of Appeal for Ontario

Question 15

In Canada's parliamentary system, what are the Prime Minister's primary constitutional responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Appointing cabinet members, setting the government's agenda, and representing Canada internationally

Answer

Head of state and commander-in-chief

Answer

Declaring war, dissolving Parliament, and overriding Supreme Court decisions

Answer

Overseeing all government departments for transparency

Question 16

In Canadian federalism, which principle is fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Power distribution between federal and provincial governments

Answer

Centralized authority with limited provincial autonomy

Answer

Absence of a constitutional framework for federal-provincial relations

Question 17

What is a distinctive feature of the Canadian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is both written and unwritten

Answer

It can be amended through a simple process

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It establishes the federal government's supremacy over the provinces

Question 18

Which two chambers make up the Canadian Parliament, a legislative body with two chambers?

Accepted Answer

The House of Commons and the Senate

Answer

The House of Commons and the British House of Lords

Answer

The Senate and the House of Assembly

Answer

The National Assembly and the Legislative Assembly

Question 19

Which of these is NOT a core principle of Canadian federalism?

Accepted Answer

Provincial governments hold ultimate authority

Answer

Power divided between federal and provincial governments

Answer

Shared responsibility for certain policies

Answer

Equal representation of provinces in the Senate

Question 20

Which defining characteristic of Canadian political culture fosters unity despite regional diversity?

Accepted Answer

Commitment to compromise, reconciliation, and finding common ground despite regional differences

Answer

Polarizing political discourse with sharp ideological divisions

Answer

Prioritizing individual rights over collective responsibilities

Answer

Strong regional autonomy leading to tensions between provinces and the federal government

Question 21

What distinguishes the Canadian Parliament from other parliamentary systems globally?

Accepted Answer

Incorporation of an appointed, unelected upper chamber

Answer

Exclusive authority to enact legislation

Answer

Capacity to dismiss the Prime Minister

Question 22

Which of the following is a characteristic that does NOT apply to the Canadian political system?

Accepted Answer

Presidential system

Answer

Parliamentary democracy

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Question 23

Regarding Canada's electoral system, which of the following is a characteristic of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system?

Accepted Answer

Can lead to a governing party without majority voter support

Answer

Ensures proportional representation of parties in the House of Commons

Answer

Promotes the formation of numerous political parties

Answer

Is implemented in all Canadian provinces and territories

Question 24

In Canada, how are powers divided between the federal government and provincial governments?

Accepted Answer

The federal government and provincial governments share powers and responsibilities as outlined in the Canadian Constitution.

Answer

The federal government has complete control over the provinces.

Answer

The federal government and provincial governments have the same level of authority.

Answer

The provinces have complete control over their own affairs, but the federal government can step in under certain circumstances.

Question 25

What is the highest court in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court of Canada

Answer

Federal Court

Answer

Court of Appeals

Question 26

Define federalism and discuss its historical significance in shaping the Canadian political system.

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

Answer

Federalism is a political ideology that promotes the independence of individual states.

Answer

Federalism is a type of government with a strong central authority and limited regional autonomy.

Question 27

How has the Charter of Rights and Freedoms impacted Canadian society, particularly in terms of legal protections and individual liberties?

Accepted Answer

Extended legal protections to marginalized groups, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

Answer

Weakened the authority of the federal government, making it harder to pass laws.

Answer

Had minimal impact on individual liberties, as most rights were already protected under common law.

Answer

Been ineffective in preventing discrimination and inequality in Canadian society.

Question 28

What is the primary role of the Governor General in Canadian politics?

Accepted Answer

Head of state and representative of the Crown

Answer

Head of government and leader of the executive branch

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Answer

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Accepted Answer

To protect individual and group rights

Answer

To establish the structure and powers of the federal government

Answer

To define the relationship between the federal and provincial governments

Answer

To codify the principles of parliamentary democracy

Question 30

Which of the following is a characteristic of Canada's approach to foreign policy?

Accepted Answer

Multilateralism and international cooperation

Answer

Isolationism and non-intervention

Answer

Unilateralism and military action

Answer

Alliances with major powers only

Question 31

What was the significance of the Meech Lake Accord in Canadian history?

Accepted Answer

It recognized the distinct society of Quebec within Canada

Answer

It amended the Canadian Constitution to include aboriginal rights

Answer

It established a free trade agreement with the United States

Answer

It created a new electoral system for Canada

Question 32

How does the media influence Canadian political discussions?

Accepted Answer

The media shapes public opinion and sets the agenda for political debates.

Answer

The media reports on events without bias.

Answer

The media only reports on events that support the government.

Answer

The media has no impact on Canadian politics.

Question 33

Who is the current Prime Minister of Canada, the head of government?

Accepted Answer

Justin Trudeau

Answer

Queen Elizabeth II

Answer

Chrystia Freeland

Answer

Mary Simon

Question 34

Which electoral system is utilized in Canada for federal elections?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Ranked ballot

Answer

Runoff system

Question 35

What is the official name of the upper house in the Canadian Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Senate

Answer

House of Commons

Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

Privy Council

Question 36

Who currently serves as the Governor-General of Canada, the representative of the monarch?

Accepted Answer

Mary Simon

Answer

Stephen Harper

Answer

David Johnston

Answer

Adrienne Clarkson

Question 37

How have Indigenous peoples actively influenced Canadian politics?

Accepted Answer

Significant influence through alliances, activism, and advocacy

Answer

Limited influence due to historical barriers

Answer

Minimal impact on mainstream Canadian politics

Answer

Primary influence through traditional governance systems

Question 38

In the Canadian political system, who is responsible for leading the government?

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

Governor General

Answer

Chief Justice

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms

Answer

To define the authority of the federal government

Answer

To clarify the responsibilities of provinces

Answer

To amend the Constitution

Question 40

Explain the significance of the Westminster model in the Canadian political context.

Accepted Answer

It forms the foundation of Canada's parliamentary system

Answer

It outlines the relationship between the monarchy and the government

Answer

It establishes the principles of federalism

Answer

It guarantees the rights of Indigenous peoples

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a branch of the Canadian government?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory

Answer

Executive

Answer

Legislative

Answer

Judicial

Question 42

Canada's electoral system utilizes the principle of:

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Ranked choice voting

Question 43

A defining characteristic of Canadian federalism is:

Accepted Answer

Shared powers between federal and provincial governments

Answer

Strong central government

Answer

Limited provincial autonomy

Answer

Absence of a constitutional division of powers

Question 44

The constitutional head of state in Canada is the:

Accepted Answer

Governor General

Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

Chief Justice

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 45

The Supreme Court of Canada is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the Constitution

Answer

Enforcing federal laws

Answer

Overseeing provincial courts

Answer

Appointing judges to lower courts

Question 46

Canadian political culture is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Both collectivism and egalitarianism

Answer

Individualism

Answer

Collectivism

Answer

Egalitarianism

Question 47

Canada's political system is considered to be a:

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary monarchy

Answer

Multi-party democracy

Answer

Two-party system

Answer

Presidential democracy

Question 48

In Canada's constitutional framework, how are the powers divided and shared between the federal and provincial governments?

Accepted Answer

Concurrently by both the federal and provincial governments

Answer

Exclusively by the federal government

Answer

Exclusively by the provincial governments

Question 49

Compare the political systems of Canada and the United Kingdom. Focus on their similarities and differences in constitutional monarchy, parliamentary government, and federalism.

Accepted Answer

Both Canada and the UK have a constitutional monarchy, with a shared head of state (the Queen).

Accepted Answer

Both Canada and the UK have parliamentary governments, where the executive branch is accountable to the legislature.

Accepted Answer

Both Canada and the UK are federal states, with power shared between a central government and regional governments.

Question 50

What type of electoral system does Canada use?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Ranked-choice voting

Answer

Single transferable vote

Question 51

What is the constitutional role of the Governor General in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Head of state

Answer

Head of government

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Answer

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Question 52

Who served as Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015?

Accepted Answer

Stephen Harper

Answer

Justin Trudeau

Answer

Pierre Trudeau

Answer

Kim Campbell

Question 53

What is the central significance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canadian politics?

Accepted Answer

It enshrines basic rights and freedoms for Canadian citizens

Answer

It establishes the structure and powers of the government

Answer

It defines the relationship between Canada and its provinces

Answer

It outlines the electoral system used in Canada

Question 54

In comparison to the political system of the United States, the Canadian political system is

Accepted Answer

More parliamentary

Answer

More centralized

Answer

More decentralized

Answer

More presidential

Question 55

Identify the key ideological differences between Canada's Liberal Party and Conservative Party.

Accepted Answer

Liberals prioritize environmentalism and social justice, while Conservatives emphasize economic growth and national security.

Answer

Liberals support a strong federal government, while Conservatives advocate for provincial autonomy.

Answer

Liberals promote multiculturalism, while Conservatives emphasize traditional Canadian values.

Question 56

How do interest groups influence Canadian policy-making? Discuss their strategies and impact on political decisions.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups represent diverse perspectives, advocate for specific policies, and influence the policy agenda and decision-making.

Answer

Interest groups primarily use financial contributions to political parties to achieve their policy goals.

Answer

Interest groups have minimal influence on Canadian policy-making due to strict regulations and transparency measures.

Question 57

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of the Westminster system of government that Canada follows?

Accepted Answer

Responsible government

Answer

Unitary state

Answer

Written constitution

Answer

Presidential system

Question 58

Who is the constitutional head of state in Canada?

Accepted Answer

King/Queen of Canada, represented by the Governor General

Answer

Prime Minister of Canada

Answer

Chief Justice of Canada

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 59

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Canada's electoral system?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post electoral system

Answer

Ranked-choice voting

Answer

Two-round system

Answer

Proportional representation

Question 60

What is the primary role of the Governor General in Canadian politics?

Accepted Answer

Representative of the King/Queen and performs ceremonial duties

Answer

Head of government

Answer

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Answer

Leader of the opposition

Question 61

What is the significance of the Constitution Act, 1982?

Accepted Answer

Established Canada as a fully independent and sovereign nation

Answer

Granted autonomy to Quebec

Answer

Abolished the monarchy

Question 62

What is the difference between a bill and an act in Canadian legislative procedure?

Accepted Answer

A bill becomes an act when it receives royal assent from the Governor General.

Answer

A bill is introduced in the Senate, while an act is passed in the House of Commons.

Answer

An act is a proposed law that has been defeated in Parliament, while a bill is a law that has been passed into law.

Question 63

Which branch of government is responsible for executing laws in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Executive branch

Answer

Legislative branch

Answer

Judicial branch

Answer

Bureaucracy

Question 64

What is a key element of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Accepted Answer

Guarantees fundamental rights and liberties

Answer

Establishes the Supreme Court

Answer

Creates a presidential system

Answer

Abolishes the monarchy