Use the table to answer the question.

Question

United States of America Canada
Type of Government
democratic republic and presidential democracy
two major political parties
constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
two major political parties
Executive Branch
president as head of state and head of government
head of state/government chosen via general election
British queen as head of state
prime minister as head of government
head of government is the leader of the majority party in the legislature
Legislative Branch
bicameral legislature
bicameral legislature
Judicial Branch
independent judiciary
independent judiciary
Based on the table, how are the governments of Canada and the United States different?
A.

The legislative branch has more power to enforce laws in Canada than in the United States.
B.

The executive branch is more independent in Canada than in the United States.
C.

Political parties have more influence over policymaking in the United States than in Canada.
D.

The judicial branch plays a different role in the United States than it does in Canada.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. The executive branch is more independent in Canada than in the United States.

In Canada, the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, is chosen via general elections but is also the leader of the majority party in the legislature, which may suggest a tighter integration of the executive and legislative branches. In contrast, in the United States, the President is both the head of state and head of government and is elected independently of the legislative branch, indicating a distinct separation of powers.