The Canadian Parliament has two chambers — the Senate and the House of Commons. Understanding how they differ is important for the citizenship test, which frequently asks about Parliament's structure and how laws are made.
Government questions on the test? CitizenPass has 600+ practice questions with detailed explanations for every answer, including dozens on Parliament and government structure.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | House of Commons | Senate |
|---|---|---|
| Members | 338 MPs | 105 Senators |
| How chosen | Elected by voters | Appointed by Governor General |
| Term | Up to 4 years | Until age 75 |
| Also called | Lower House | Upper House |
| Presided by | Speaker of the House | Speaker of the Senate |
| Main role | Debate and pass legislation | Review and amend legislation |
| Represents | Electoral districts (ridings) | Regions and provinces |
The House of Commons in Detail
How MPs Are Elected
Canada is divided into 338 electoral districts, also called ridings or constituencies. In a federal election, voters in each riding choose one MP to represent them. The candidate who gets the most votes wins — this is called the "first past the post" system.
What the House of Commons Does
- Debates legislation: Most bills are introduced and debated here first
- Passes or rejects bills: MPs vote on every bill
- Holds the government accountable: Through Question Period, committees, and debates
- Controls government spending: All spending bills must originate in the House
- Represents the people: Each MP speaks for the voters in their riding
Key Facts for the Test
- The House of Commons sits in the Centre Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
- The current number of seats is 338 (this number can change after a census)
- The party with the most seats forms the government
- The party with the second-most seats is the Official Opposition
The Senate in Detail
How Senators Are Appointed
Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Since 2016, an independent advisory board recommends candidates based on merit. Senate seats are distributed regionally:
- Ontario: 24 seats
- Quebec: 24 seats
- Maritime provinces: 24 seats (10 NS, 10 NB, 4 PEI)
- Western provinces: 24 seats (6 each for MB, SK, AB, BC)
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 6 seats
- Territories: 3 seats (1 each for YT, NT, NU)
What the Senate Does
- Reviews bills passed by the House of Commons (the "sober second thought")
- Proposes amendments to improve legislation
- Conducts studies on important issues through committees
- Can introduce bills (except money bills, which must start in the House)
- Represents regions — ensures all parts of Canada have a voice
Key Facts for the Test
- The Senate sits in the Senate chamber on Parliament Hill
- Senators serve until age 75
- The Senate was designed to represent regional interests
- The Senate is sometimes called the "chamber of sober second thought"
Ready to Practice?
Put your knowledge to the test with 600+ practice questions and AI coaching.
Also available on mobile:
How They Work Together
The Legislative Process
- A bill is usually introduced in the House of Commons
- It goes through three readings and committee study in the House
- If passed, it moves to the Senate
- The Senate conducts its own three readings and committee study
- If the Senate proposes amendments, the bill goes back to the House
- Both chambers must agree on the final version
- The Governor General gives Royal Assent — the bill becomes law
Checks and Balances
The two-chamber system provides checks and balances:
- The House ensures laws reflect the will of the people (since MPs are elected)
- The Senate ensures laws are carefully reviewed and that regional interests are protected
- Neither chamber can pass a law alone — both must agree
Common Citizenship Test Questions on This Topic
Q: How many seats are in the Senate?
A: 105
Q: How are Senators appointed?
A: By the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister
Q: What is the Senate sometimes called?
A: The chamber of sober second thought
Q: How many Members of Parliament are in the House of Commons?
A: 338
Q: Where does most legislation originate?
A: The House of Commons
Master Parliament Questions With CitizenPass
Government structure appears on virtually every citizenship test. Make sure you are ready with CitizenPass:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Including Parliament, elections, and government roles
- AI Coach — Finds your weak spots and builds a targeted study plan
- 80+ Lessons — Chapter 4 (How Canadians Govern Themselves) covered in detail
- Free to start — iOS, Android, and web
For official study material, see Discover Canada — How Canadians Govern Themselves.
Sponsored
Ready to Practice?
Put your knowledge to the test with 600+ practice questions and AI coaching.
Also available on mobile:
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can the Senate block a bill passed by the House of Commons?
Technically yes — the Senate can reject or delay a bill. In practice, the Senate rarely blocks bills outright. It more commonly proposes amendments and sends bills back to the House for reconsideration. Both chambers must agree on the final version of a bill.
2Why does Canada have a Senate?
The Senate was created at Confederation in 1867 to provide regional representation and serve as a 'chamber of sober second thought.' It reviews legislation passed by the House of Commons to ensure it is fair and well-considered.
3How long do Senators serve?
Senators serve until age 75. Before 1965, they served for life. This long tenure is intended to make the Senate independent from short-term political pressures.
4Who is the Speaker of the House of Commons?
The Speaker is an MP elected by other MPs to preside over debates in the House of Commons. The Speaker maintains order, recognizes members to speak, and casts a tie-breaking vote when necessary. The Speaker is expected to be impartial.