Federal Elections: practice questions

The 10 questions

Choose your answer, then open “Show answer” to check it and read why.

1. Question 1 of 10

   How are Members of Parliament chosen?

   1. Appointed by the Prime Minister
   2. Elected by voters in their local electoral district (riding)
   3. Selected by provincial premiers
   4. Appointed by the Governor General
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   Answer: B. Elected by voters in their local electoral district (riding)

   MPs are elected by voters in their local riding (electoral district). The candidate with the most votes becomes the MP.

2. Question 2 of 10

   When are federal elections held in Canada?

   1. On the first Tuesday in November every four years
   2. On the third Monday in October every four years
   3. Every five years on July 1
   4. On the third Monday in October every five years
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   Answer: B. On the third Monday in October every four years

   Federal elections must be held on the third Monday in October every four years. The PM may also request an earlier election.

3. Question 3 of 10

   What is a majority government?

   1. A government formed by two parties together
   2. A government holding at least half the seats in the House of Commons
   3. A government supported by all provinces
   4. A government appointed by the Senate
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   Answer: B. A government holding at least half the seats in the House of Commons

   A majority government holds at least half the seats in the House of Commons. A minority government holds fewer than half.

4. Question 4 of 10

   What is the role of the Official Opposition?

   1. To choose the Cabinet ministers
   2. To peacefully oppose or try to improve the government's proposals
   3. To control the budget
   4. To appoint Senators
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   Answer: B. To peacefully oppose or try to improve the government's proposals

   The Official Opposition's role is to peacefully oppose or try to improve government proposals.

5. Question 5 of 10

   What is the National Register of Electors?

   1. A list of citizenship applicants
   2. The database used to produce the voters' lists for federal elections
   3. A list of MPs and Senators
   4. A list of party members
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   Answer: B. The database used to produce the voters' lists for federal elections

   The voters' lists used during federal elections and referendums are produced from the National Register of Electors.

6. Question 6 of 10

   Federal ballots in Canada are:

   1. Public
   2. Secret
   3. Signed
   4. Verbal
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   Answer: B. Secret

   Voting in Canadian federal elections is by secret ballot.

7. Question 7 of 10

   Before election day, each registered voter receives:

   1. A ballot in the mail
   2. A voter information card with their polling station location
   3. A telephone reminder from the PM
   4. A list of all candidates' platforms
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   Answer: B. A voter information card with their polling station location

   Registered voters receive a voter information card that tells them where and when to vote.

8. Question 8 of 10

   What is a minority government?

   1. A government that represents only minority groups
   2. A government holding fewer than half the seats in the House of Commons
   3. A government formed by three or more parties
   4. A government that only lasts one year
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   Answer: B. A government holding fewer than half the seats in the House of Commons

   A minority government holds fewer than half the seats in the House of Commons, compared to a majority government which holds at least half.

9. Question 9 of 10

   You are a permanent resident of Canada, not a citizen. Can you vote in a federal election?

   1. Yes, all residents can vote
   2. Yes, after living in Canada for five years
   3. No, only Canadian citizens can vote in federal elections
   4. Yes, if you own a home in Canada
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   Answer: C. No, only Canadian citizens can vote in federal elections

   Only Canadian citizens who are at least 18 and on the voters' list may vote in federal elections. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections.

10. Question 10 of 10

    After the ballot is marked, the voter places it in:

    1. An electronic scanner
    2. A ballot box
    3. An envelope mailed to Ottawa
    4. A recycling bin
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    Answer: B. A ballot box

    After marking the ballot with an X, the voter places it in the ballot box at the polling station.