Although Canada and the United States are both democracies, the governments are organized differently:

A. Head of Government

The President, or Head of the United States government, is elected every four years in a nationwide election.

The Prime Minister, or Head of the Canadian government, is the head of the party with the most members in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister can be removed at any time by majority vote of his/her party.

B. Elected Members of Government

The main elected members of the US government are the President, the Senate (100 senators, who serve for six years), and the members of the House of Representatives (435 representatives, elected for two-year terms).

The Canadian government is composed of the Prime Minister, the elected members of the House of Commons (338), and the appointed Senators (105). Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister. The senate appointments are frequently rewards for political favours done for the ruling party. In theory, Canadian Senators have the power to disapprove legislation approved by the elected members of Parliament, but they seldom exercise this power. Many Canadians feel the Senate should be either elected or abolished.

C. Elections

In the United States, the dates for elections of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives are held at set dates.

In Canada, although there are no fixed times for elections, an election must be held at least once every five years. However, if there is a lengthy disagreement between the parties of the House of Commons, and the ruling party loses the majority of votes on a particular piece of legislation, they can be brought down and a new election called. The ruling party can also call an election at any time it chooses, e.g., when it is in favour with the voters, and so by calling an election, is likely to increase the seats held in Parliament.