2. The Canadian Government
• Canada is a democracy like the United States
• However, the government is structured
differently
• Canada is a constitutional monarchy.
• Canada has a constitution
• It’s head of state is the monarchy of Great
Britain.
• The monarch selects a governor-general to
represent in Canada
• Both the monarch and governor-general are
ceremonial positions.
4. Who’s in Charge?
• Parliament (Legislature) has three parts:
– Monarch, Senate, and House of Commons
• Parliament makes the laws!
• Executive Branch enforces the laws.
• Includes the monarch, prime minster, and
cabinet
• Judicial branch interprets the laws. (Judges)
• Parliament controls the power.
• Prime Minister is the head of the government
and answers to the legislature.
5. Government
• Canada is a federation of ten provinces and
three territories.
• Powers are divided between a central
government and political subdivisions.
• Central Government- handles affairs with
trade and national defense
• Political subdivisions have authority over their
local affairs.
• Central Government is located in the capital of
Ottawa, Ontario
6. Citizen Participation
• Citizens can vote at age of 18
• Constitution guarantees citizen personal rights
and freedoms
• Canadian citizens are given many of the same
rights as citizens in the United States including:
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Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of press
Right to a fair trial
Equal rights
7. What’s Your Economy
• Canada has a mixed market economy.
• Since WWII Canada has moved from rural
economy to a thriving industrial economy.
• The economy is based on manufacturing,
mining, and service industry .
• The government controls some areas like
health care and the postal service.
