Grade 7 · Social Studies · Unit 5 of 5
Democracy & Other Systems
How Canada governs itself, and how other systems differ
What your child practises
Sources of power for individuals and nations, the parts of Canada's federal government and how a bill becomes law, and comparing democracy, oligarchy and dictatorship.
Nunavut Curriculum approved guide: Civics in the Junior Secondary Social Studies Curriculum (NWT, 1998), Civics and economics · democracy and other systems of government, and how citizens in circumpolar countries take part
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Why does Canada have a Senate to review bills passed by the House of Commons?
🔍- to appoint the Premier
- to vote on hockey rules
- to give laws a second look
- to replace elections
to give laws a second look
Hint: The Senate reviews and can suggest changes to bills.
Question 2
Which system of government does it describe? Tap an item, then tap its basket.
Sort into: 🗳️ democracy · 👑 dictatorship
- 🤐critics can be silenced
- 👑one person holds all power
- 🗳️citizens vote in free elections
- 🚫no real elections
- ⚖️laws apply to leaders too
- 🤝power can change hands peacefully
🗳️ democracy: citizens vote in free elections, laws apply to leaders too, power can change hands peacefully · 👑 dictatorship: critics can be silenced, one person holds all power, no real elections
Hint: In a democracy, citizens have a voice. In a dictatorship, one person holds all the power.
Question 3
How often must a federal election be held in Canada, at most?
📆- every 20 years
- within five years
- every month
- never
within five years
Hint: The Constitution says a House of Commons lasts no more than five years.
Question 4
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. What does that mean?
🍁- judges run the country
- the King is head of state, and elected representatives make the laws
- there are no elections
- the King makes every law
the King is head of state, and elected representatives make the laws
Hint: The Crown has a symbolic role, and elected Members of Parliament make decisions.
Question 5
How are Senators in Canada chosen?
📜- they are chosen by lottery
- they are born into the role
- they are appointed
- they are elected by students
they are appointed
Hint: Senators are appointed and can serve until age 75.
Question 6
A small group of wealthy families controls a country's government. This is closest to…
💰- a school board
- a democracy
- a parliament of students
- an oligarchy
an oligarchy
Hint: Power is in the hands of a few.