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Canada's Government

What is Canada's government like?

Goal:

Goal:

map showing the US and Canada

Canada is the country north of the U.S. It has a government different from the one found in the United States. Study the slides below to learn about the Canadian government.

Type of Government

Canada has a constitutional monarchy. A king or queen is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. The country follows the written constitution.

Canadian territories

clicker Click image to enlarge.

Did you know that the King of England is also the king of Canada?

Both countries share the same type of government and the same head of state--King Charles III.

Image of King Charles III

There are three levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal (local).

The federal government, known as Parliament, oversees the issues affecting the country as a whole.

Throne in Senate Chamber in Centre Block building on Parliament Hill, home of Canada's federal government.

There are three parts to Parliament:

  1. The monarch, or head of state (King Charles III), appoints a governor general and one governor lieutenant to represent each of the ten provinces of Canada.
  2. The House of Commons makes the laws.
  3. The Senate is made up of 105 members chosen by the governor general. They are responsible for passing the laws.
Canadian flags outside a government building

The provincial government includes the ten provinces, which are like states. The provincial government deals with things like education and health care within their own province.

The municipal government is at a city or town level. They deal with community matters, such as parks, libraries, local police, and parking.

Branches

Flag & Gavol

There are three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

  • Executive Branch: Consists of the monarch represented by the governor general, prime minister, and cabinet; they make the decision
  • Legislative Branch: Consists of the Senate and House of Commons and the law-making branch
  • Judicial Branch: Independent courts interpret the laws passed by the executive and legislative branches

Relationship with the U.S.

two businessman having a handshake over us and canada flag

The United States and Canada have a good relationship. Both countries work closely together.

Canadian & US Flags

Here are some ways that Canada and the United States work together.

  • Canada and U.S. have the longest international border in the world that they both regulate
  • Largest trade relationship in the world with over a billion dollars a day in goods and services
  • Trade creates millions of jobs in both countries
  • Over 400,000 people cross over the U.S. and Canada borders each day
  • Law enforcement collaboration
  • Work together to resolve environmental and water issues
  • Provide education systems and scholarship opportunities