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.

Frequently asked questions

What does Senate mean?

The Senate is the upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament, comprised of appointed senators who review legislation. 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 is Senate important for the citizenship 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.

How might Senate appear on the test?

Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Senate, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.

Source: Discover Canada (2025)