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CanadaCanada is a Constitutional Monarchy, and its government is a Liberal Democracy. As a member of the G8, the group of eight leading industrialized nations, Canada is one of the most important nations in the world. As America's largest trading partner, Canada is also an important part of the global economy. To help you understand Canada's political system today, we have outlined a historical perspective. Pre-ConfederationPrior to European settlement, Canada had no unified national government. Although regional political arrangements did arise through treaties amongst the First Nations, individual tribe leaders were effectively the local, and only, government. With the arrival of the Europeans, Canada became a series of colonies. Starting with the French in "New France", the British in "Upper Canada", and even the Spanish along the west coast for a short time. See the oCanada.ca Canadian History section for more complete pre-Confederation history. ConfederationThe defining feature of the birth of Canada was the signing of the British North America Act, in 1867. This British legislation effectively appeased regional interests, while allowing Britain to have a single, unified administration for the area. Although it acts as Canada's constitution even today, it was not intended to bring independence, democracy, freedom or anything like the American constitution. Instead, its mandate was "Peace, Order and Good Government". 
Confederation brought together four provinces (Upper Canada now known
as Ontario, Lower Canada now known
as Québec, Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick), but
set the framework for the separation of powers between provinces and
the national government that is largely unchanged today. Each province
had their own elected legislative body and British-appointed "Leiutenant-Governor".
There was also an elected National Legislature and British-appointed
Senate in Ottawa, with a British-appointed "Governor-General". While
there was some electoral rights, the bulk of power was with the British,
acting through their Governors.
Since 1867, six other provinces joined Confederation (Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Newfoundland) and three northern territorial regions were established (Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Nunavut). Territories have their own regional governments similar to provincial governments. Newfoundland was the last province to join in 1949. They held a referendum, where a majority voted to join Canada. In mapping out new provinces, the majority of border disputes were with the United States on the west coast. As a result, the province of British Columbia, along the west coast is not strictly defined along the 49th parallel (as are the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta to its east), rather some parts dip below the 49th (Vancouver Island). Also, the "Alaskan Pan Handle" secured a significant amount of coastline for Alaska, where more of British Columbia lies to its east. Independence by Evolution, not RevolutionUp to, and especially after World War II, Canada's power as a nation became very clear. Eventually Senators were chosen by the Prime Minister. Similarly Governors were appointed by the Prime Minister, and all their powers were shifted to the Legislature and the Cabinet. Though officially the Queen of England (or the Governor-General acting in her place) is Canada's Head of State, their power is strictly symbolic. The Head of Government (the Prime Minister) is the most powerful politician in Canada. Some examples of the role of the Governor-General includes signing a "Bill" into "Law", officially dissolving and opening Parliament, meeting with foreign Heads of State, and officiating at awards ceremonies such as the prestigious Order of Canada. But the Governor-General is ultimately responsible to the Prime Minister and would not defy any "requests" the Prime Minister would make. In sharp contrast to its American neighbour, Canada never experienced a "War of Independence." Canada very much achieved its independence through evolution of the political process.
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