Civics unit 2

Federal Government

Responsible for national and international matters such as defense, immigration, trade, currency, and postal service.

Provincial/Territorial Government

Responsible for regional issues such as education, health care, transportation, and natural resources.

Municipal Government

Local government responsible for communities including local policing, water, waste, parks, libraries, and transit.

Executive Branch

Implements laws and includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Governor General.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws and includes the House of Commons and the Senate.

Judicial Branch

Interprets and applies laws and includes courts and judges.

Majority Government

A party wins more than half the seats in the House of Commons.

Minority Government

A party wins the most seats, but less than half, and must work with others to pass laws.

Coalition Government

Two or more parties formally agree to share power and form the government together.

Voting Age in Canada

18 years old.

Backbencher

An elected Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Cabinet Minister or party leader, sitting behind the front benches in the House of Commons.

Bandwagon Technique

A persuasion technique suggesting that 'Everyone is doing it.'

Testimonial Technique

A persuasion technique using a celebrity or expert to promote an idea.

Plain Folks Technique

A persuasion technique where the candidate appears relatable.

Card Stacking Technique

A persuasion technique that presents only positive information.

Glittering Generalities Technique

A persuasion technique using vague, feel-good statements.

Name Calling Technique

A persuasion technique that involves attacking the opponent.

Political Party

An organized group with shared ideas and policies that seeks to gain power through elections.

Political Spectrum

A range of political ideologies from left (liberal, progressive) to right (conservative, traditional).

Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister of Canada as of 2025.

Doug Ford

Premier of Ontario as of 2025.

Danielle Smith

Premier of Alberta as of 2025.

Olivia Chow

Mayor of Toronto as of 2025.

Ken Sim

Mayor of Vancouver as of 2025.

Parliamentary System

A system where the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is drawn from the legislature (Parliament).

Governor General

The Queen's representative in Canada who carries out ceremonial duties and ensures a functioning government.

Opposition

The party or parties not in power who hold the government accountable and offer alternatives.

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons

338.

Speaker of the House

An MP elected by fellow MPs to moderate debates, maintain order, and ensure the rules of Parliament are followed.