Head of state
The head of state of Canada's government is the British Monarchy, whose leader is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her full and official Canadian title is "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith." The Queen is represented in Canada by the Governor General of Canada, currently Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.
Prime Minister
The prime minister of Canada is appointed by the Governor General and is usually the leader of the political party that has the most seats in the House of Commons. The prime minister is the head of government in Canada. Stephen Harper is the presiding prime minister of Canada and is the leader of the Conservative Party. Historically, the first prime minister of Canada was Sir John A. Macdonald, appointed in 1867. The position is a powerful one since legislation comes through the Cabinet – a body that is chosen by the prime minister.
Parliament
The Parliament of Canada consists of three entities: The Queen or Crown (who is represented by the Governor General), the Senate, and the House of Commons. This is the legislative branch of Canada's government. The Queen's role, and thus the Governor General's role, is that of a figurehead: symbolic but with no power.
Senate
The Senate of Canada has 105 appointees, named by the Prime Minister and given the official nod by the Governor General. The age span for senators is 35 – 75. The Senate can veto a bill by the House of Commons but this is rare. They review a bill very carefully and if there is something to which they object they will send it back to the House of Commons for changes. The Senate can originate bills, and the House of Commons, likewise, must approve.
MPs
There are 308 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Canadian House of Commons. They are elected and remain in office until the dissolution of the present Parliament. Members are elected by the constituents whom they will be representing from their riding, or legislative district. Only the House of Commons can propose bills regarding taxes or the appropriation of public funds. If there is a deadlock between the Senate and the House of Commons, the Governor General, as representative of the Queen, appoints as many as eight additional senators to break the deadlock. The House of Commons has the power to unseat a prime minister by a vote of no confidence, which places an important check on the powers of the office of the prime minister.