Canada vs.

United
States
Madelyn Lee
Part I: Type of
Government/Constitution
The Leader
Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

United States: President Barack Obama

Both the United States and Canada have elected leaders, however the
U.S. has a limit of two terms per president (8 years), while there is no
limit on how long the prime minister of Canada can serve.

To become President of the United States, you have to be at least 35

years old, a U.S. resident for at least 14 years, and a natural born
citizen of the United States. While for Canada, there are no age or
citizenship restrictions.
Law Making Body and Rights
The U.S. lawmaking body is called Congress, while parliament is
Canadas. Both Canada and the U.S. have bicameral structures.
Congress has 535 members, while parliament currently consists of 338
members.

Like the citizens of the United States, Canadians have the freedom of
speech, press, and religion, however they do not have a constitutional
right to bear arms.
Part II: Political Parties
Wheres the Party At?
Canada has a multi party system while the United States has a two party system.

The U.S. parties are democratic and republican, while Canadas major parties are Bloc
Qubcois, Conservative Party, Green Party, and the Liberal party.

The liberal party is considered fiscally conservative, but socially progressive, while the
conservative party is one that favours low taxes, smaller, and a less intrusive government.
The party is officially neutral on social matters like abortion and gay rights.

The Bloc Qubcois is best regarded as a pragmatic party similar to the Liberals.

The Green Party has a commitment to environmental issues.

Political Party Symbols of Canada
Part III: Elections and Voting
Voting
Canada: you must be 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, residents in the
electoral district, ad registered to vote. They hold general elections
every third Monday of October in the fourth calendar year following the
previous general election, but the prime minister can hold office until he
or she resigns or dies. There are federal, provincial, municipal, and by-
election elections.

United States: you must be 18 years old, be a resident of a state, and a

citizen of the United States in order to vote. Elections are held every
four years. There are primary, general, and local elections.
Part IV: Taxes and Government
Finance
Taxation
Both Canada and the United States charge an income tax. Canadas
government makes money from oil and gas production, energy,
manufacturing, tourism, etc. While the United States makes its money
mostly through income taxes, payroll taxes paid jointly by employers
and workers, and corporate income taxes paid by businesses.
Spending
United States: $620 billion on education, $601 billion on military, and
$3.0 trillion on healthcare.

Canada: $53 billion on education, $19 billion on military, and $211

billion on healthcare.
Part V: Laws
Crime
Canada: ranked 53rd for crime rates, the prison population is 40,663,
and they do not use the death penalty.

United States: is ranked 30th for overall crime rates, the prison
population in 2013 was 2,220,300, and does use the death penalty.
Courts
Part VI: Current Relations with
the United States
Canada and the United States enjoy a unique bilateral relationship. The
partnership is forged by shared geography, similar values, common
interests, deep connections and powerful, multi-layered economic ties.