Senate
Definition
The Senate is the upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament, comprised of appointed senators who review legislation.
Explanation
The Senate has 105 appointed members, called senators, who are chosen by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Unlike the House of Commons, senators are not elected. The Senate's role is to review legislation passed by the House of Commons, provide sober second thought, and represent regional and provincial interests. Senators serve until age 75, though recent reforms have changed how they are appointed.
Why this matters for your test
Understanding the Senate's role in Canadian government is important for the citizenship test. It demonstrates knowledge of how the legislative branch functions and the system of checks and balances.
Source: Discover Canada (2025)