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Federal Elections
A short summary of what to know, then 7 free practice questions with answers.
What to know
Canada is divided into electoral districts, also called ridings. Each riding elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. Eligible Canadian citizens aged 18 or older can vote and can run as candidates in a federal election.
Before an election, registered voters receive a voter information card that tells them when and where to vote. Voting is by secret ballot: you mark the ballot, usually with an X in the circle next to your chosen candidate, and nobody, including your employer or family, is entitled to know how you voted.
After an election, the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons is usually invited by the Governor General to form the government. That leader becomes Prime Minister. If the governing party holds at least half the seats it has a majority government; otherwise it is a minority government. The party with the second-most seats usually becomes the Official Opposition.
Key facts to remember
- An electoral district is also called a riding.
- Each riding elects one MP.
- Citizens aged 18 or older can vote and run for office.
- Voting is secret; no one is entitled to know how you voted.
- The leader of the party with the most seats usually forms the government.
Read the official chapter
This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “Federal Elections” in Discover Canada on canada.ca, then test yourself below. Next topic: Justice system.
Written by ChowChow Labs from Discover Canada. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Question 1 · Federal Elections
Your employer is entitled to know how you voted.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: B. False
The ballot is secret; no one, including an employer, can require you to reveal your vote.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 2 · Federal Elections
How many Members of Parliament does each electoral district elect?
- A. Two
- B. One
- C. Three
- D. It depends on the population
Show answer
Answer: B. One
Voters in each riding elect one person to represent them in the House of Commons.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 3 · Federal Elections
How do you usually mark a federal election ballot?
- A. Put a mark, such as an X, in the circle next to your chosen candidate
- B. Rank every candidate in order
- C. Sign your name next to the candidate
- D. Write a short essay about each candidate
Show answer
Answer: A. Put a mark, such as an X, in the circle next to your chosen candidate
Voters mark the ballot beside the name of one candidate, then fold it and place it in the ballot box.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 4 · Federal Elections
What does a voter information card tell an elector?
- A. When and where to vote
- B. Which candidate to choose
- C. How much tax they owe
- D. Their criminal record
Show answer
Answer: A. When and where to vote
The voter information card, sent to registered electors, shows when and where they can vote.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 5 · Federal Elections
What is an electoral district also commonly called?
- A. A riding
- B. A county court
- C. A township council
- D. A precinct assembly
Show answer
Answer: A. A riding
Canada is divided into electoral districts, also called ridings, each electing one Member of Parliament.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 6 · Federal Elections
Who can be a candidate in a federal election?
- A. Only people born in Ottawa
- B. Only current senators
- C. Eligible Canadian citizens aged 18 or older
- D. Only members of the armed forces
Show answer
Answer: C. Eligible Canadian citizens aged 18 or older
Canadian citizens who are at least 18 may generally run as candidates; they may represent a party or run as independents.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
Question 7 · Federal Elections
After an election, who is usually invited to form the government?
- A. The candidate with the most votes nationally
- B. The Chief Justice
- C. The leader of the Senate
- D. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
Show answer
Answer: D. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
Normally the party with the most elected members forms government, and its leader becomes Prime Minister.Source: Discover Canada, “Federal Elections”
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