Grade 9 · Social Studies · Unit 1 of 6
Governing Canada
Levels, branches and elections
What your child practises
The three levels of government, who is responsible for what, how laws are made, how elections work and how the Constitution is changed, with examples from Alberta.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: 9.1 · how Canada and Alberta are governed: levels and branches of government, elections and the Constitution
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
Which body of the federal government is appointed rather than elected?
- the Legislative Assembly of Alberta
- a city council
- the Senate
- the House of Commons
Show answer
the Senate
Hint: Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister and sit until they retire.
Question 2
Which is mainly a municipal responsibility?
- national defence
- local public transit
- currency
- criminal law
Show answer
local public transit
Hint: Municipalities look after local services.
Question 3
How many seats does a party usually need for a majority government?
- more than half of the seats
- all of the seats
- exactly 100
- a third of the seats
Show answer
more than half of the seats
Hint: A majority can pass laws without support from other parties.
Question 4
Why do citizens have a responsibility to vote?
- Their votes help decide who makes decisions and laws for them
- Voting is the only way to pay taxes
- Elections are chosen at random
- Their vote has no effect
Show answer
Their votes help decide who makes decisions and laws for them
Hint: Participating in elections and staying informed is one way to take part in democracy.
Question 5
Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces in what year?
- 1905
- 1949
- 1867
- 1885
Show answer
1905
Hint: Both were created out of the North-West Territories in 1905.
Question 6
What is the capital of Alberta?
- Calgary
- Lethbridge
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
Show answer
Edmonton
Hint: The Legislative Assembly of Alberta meets in Edmonton.