Study topic
The monarchy and the Crown
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Understanding the difference between the head of state and the head of government is a frequent source of test questions.
Key facts to remember
- ◆ The Sovereign (King or Queen) is Canada's head of state and a symbol of Canadian sovereignty.
- ◆ The Governor General represents the Sovereign at the federal level and is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- ◆ A Lieutenant Governor represents the Sovereign in each of the ten provinces.
- ◆ The Prime Minister is the head of government, not the head of state.
- ◆ Royal Assent, given on the Sovereign's behalf, is the final step for a bill to become law.