Grade 5 · Social Studies · Unit 2 of 6
Making Laws
Bills, elections and taking part
What your child practises
How a bill becomes law in Parliament, elections and ridings, local bylaws, and how young people can take part in democracy.
BC Curriculum learning standard: The development, structure, and function of Canadian institutions and governments; participation and representation in Canadian government
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
Put the steps for a federal bill becoming a law in order.
- 💬MPs debate it and a committee studies it
- ✋MPs vote to pass the bill
- 📄A bill is introduced in the House of Commons
- 🏛️The Senate reviews it and votes
- ✍️The Governor General gives Royal Assent
Show answer
A bill is introduced in the House of Commons → MPs debate it and a committee studies it → MPs vote to pass the bill → The Senate reviews it and votes → The Governor General gives Royal Assent
Hint: A bill starts in the House of Commons, where it's debated and voted on. Then the Senate reviews it. Royal Assent is always the last step.
Question 2
Why are bills debated before they become laws?
💬- debate lets MPs skip voting
- debate keeps bills secret
- debate makes laws pass faster
- debate helps find problems and improve the bill
Show answer
debate helps find problems and improve the bill
Hint: When people with different views question a bill, mistakes are caught and the law can be made better.
Question 3
Which part of Canada's Parliament is elected by voters?
- the Governor General
- the Senate
- the House of Commons
Show answer
the House of Commons
Hint: Voters elect MPs to the House of Commons. Senators and the Governor General are appointed.
Question 4
How old do you have to be to vote in a federal election in Canada?
🗳️- 16
- 19
- 21
- 18
Show answer
18
Hint: Canadian citizens who are 18 or older can vote in federal elections.
Question 5
What are the people elected to the House of Commons called?
🏛️- Premiers
- Senators
- Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Mayors
Show answer
Members of Parliament (MPs)
Hint: Each MP is elected by the voters in one area of Canada, called a riding.
Question 6
What is the main job of the Official Opposition?
- to question and challenge the government's plans
- to choose the Governor General
- to run the courts
- to sign bills into law
Show answer
to question and challenge the government's plans
Hint: The party with the second-most seats usually becomes the Official Opposition. Its job is to hold the government to account.