Government & Democracy
Constitutional monarchy
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Sovereign (King or Queen) is Canada's head of state, while an elected Prime Minister is the head of government.
Key facts
- ◆ The Sovereign is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty and a guardian of constitutional freedoms.
- ◆ The Governor General represents the Sovereign at the federal level.
- ◆ A Lieutenant Governor represents the Sovereign in each province.
- ◆ The Sovereign reigns but does not rule -- governing is done by elected officials.