Head of state and head of government
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Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The Sovereign is head of state; the prime minister is head of government. The Governor General carries out constitutional duties as the Sovereign’s representative in Canada.
Scope & context
Independent citizenship-study support. Read the cited official sources; this is not an official question bank or a guarantee of a test result.
More context
The prime minister selects Cabinet ministers and directs government policy and operations. The Governor General’s duties include appointing a prime minister able to maintain parliamentary confidence, granting royal assent, and summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament.
In provinces, lieutenant governors represent the Sovereign. Territorial commissioners represent the federal government, a different constitutional position. Premiers head provincial and territorial governments. The names of current officeholders can change; distinguish the office from the person occupying it.
Sources behind this record
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
How Canadians Govern Themselves; sections and tables identified in the research record
Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Head of State/head of government; constitutional duties