The Canadian System of Government

Canada's system of government has three key features: **1. Federal state** Canada is a federation — powers are divided between the federal government and the ten provincial governments. Territories receive their powers from the federal government. **Federal responsibilities**: national defence, foreign policy, criminal law, currency, banking, trade between provinces, citizenship and immigration, postal service. **Provincial responsibilities**: education, health care, natural resources within the province, property and civil rights, municipal government, highways. **Shared responsibilities**: agriculture and immigration. **2. Parliamentary democracy** Canada is a parliamentary democracy — the people elect representatives to Parliament, which is the supreme legislative authority. The elected House of Commons has the greatest power and authority. Parliament has three parts: • **The Sovereign** — King Charles III, represented by the Governor General • **The Senate** — 105 appointed senators serving until age 75 • **The House of Commons** — 338 elected Members of Parliament **3. Constitutional monarchy** Canada is a constitutional monarchy — the Sovereign (King or Queen) is the head of state but governs through elected representatives. The Governor General represents the Sovereign in Canada. **The Prime Minister** The Prime Minister is the head of government, leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons, and directs the governing of the country. The Cabinet is made up of ministers appointed by the Prime Minister. **The Governor General** Appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governor General performs ceremonial and constitutional duties — swearing in the Prime Minister, reading the Speech from the Throne, and giving Royal Assent to bills. **Responsible government** The Cabinet must maintain the confidence of the elected House of Commons. If the government loses a confidence vote, it must resign or call an election.