Social Studies 9: Canada's Federal Political System

Created by an Alberta teacher, this video explains democracy, types of governments, and why most Canadians support a democratic goverment.

Think you know enough about democracy? Not yet! Watch this excellent video by an Alberta teacher

Learn about the constitution of Canada, the amending formula, and how you can have an unwritten constitution. Created by an Alberta teacher.

Learn the branches of government, the importance of the Official Opposition, and the role of the Senate in Canada. Created by an Alberta teacher

Is the Prime Minister is a civil servant or a cabinet member? What is responsible government in Canada. A resource created by an Alberta teacher

Learn all about how the party system of politics works in Canada in this great video created by an Alberta teacher.

Learn about lobby groups in politics and why democracies need to have free presses. Created by an Alberta teacher

Learn who gets to vote in Canada and who doesn't? How do elections work? Learn more in this video created by an Alberta teacher

Learn how member's vote in government, how a non-confidence vote works, and how legislation is passed in this video created by an Alberta teacher

Read a detailed history of Indigenous suffrage in Canada.

Learn more about Canadian women fighting for the right to vote in this article

An advertisement to inspire young people to vote in elections.

Student Vote aims to help young Canadians participate in democracy.

Does a democracy really make more sense than a dictatorship? Are all dictatorships bad?

This is a timeline of women's right to vote in Canada, with federal and provincial breakdowns.

Your ballot doesn't actually travel to the House of Commons, but if you use it right, it can have an influence on the government.

This free online game teaches students how to evaluate what they hear politicians say, and to determine if they think they will keep their word in the office.

Learn about liberal and conservative views of different issues in the US.

If you are eligible to vote in a Canadian election, you also have a right to be on the ballot as a candidate. Learn more!

iSideWith.com is an independent, self-funded, non-partisan voter education website. Take the quiz to learn what political parties in Canada you agree with

Learn about the first-past-the-post voting system -- in which the candidate with the most votes wins

This site explains the main parties' platforms and to help you be an informed voter.

Enter your postal code in the box to find your MP.

This handy guide from the EPL provides information about the areas of responsibility of the levels of government.

Canada's system of government began as an off-shoot of Great Britain's Westminster System, but over the years, has evolved into something uniquely Canadian.

Visit the Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament and Peace Tower in this virtual exhibit

From taxes to spending, can you create and balance the budget for a whole country? Free online game that takes 15-30 min

A brilliant rant by Rick Mercer focused on the Canadian Senate

Information about the function of the Canadian Senate in creating legislation

Take a virtual tour of the art and architecture of the Senate.

This interactive gives users a chance to experience a typical day in the life of a parliamentarian

Watch this video and learn about the different forms of governments in countries around the world.

This animation and quiz go through the legislative process for passing a parliamentary bill.

The law says that only those 18 or older can vote in elections. This video explains how we could change that law.

LEGISinfo is an essential research tool for finding information on legislation before Parliament.

This handy guide from the EPL provides information about the areas of responsibility of the levels of government.

Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne discuss the notion of political reform in Canada (1841).

Explore ways citizens can influence what happens in government.

Created by an Alberta teacher, this video explores how lobby groups and the media impact decisions of government.

Elections can result in a majority or a minority government. How are they different?

Create a free account to access to lesson plans and more about: Identities and Pluralism, Perspectives and Opinions, Political Ideologies, Underlying Values.

Learn the 6 sources of power and how understanding them is key to being an effective citizen. Related Lesson

Giraffia doesn't know much government, but that doesn't mean government choices don't impact her.