In the federal government, the prime Minister selects the Cabinet ministers and is responsible for the operations and policy of the government. The house of Commons is the representative chamber, made up of members of Parliament elected by the people, traditionally every four years. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve until age 75.
Both the House of Commons and the Senate consider and review bills - proposals for new laws. No bill can become law in Canada until it has been passed by both chambers and has received royal assent, granted by the Governor General on behalf of the Sovereign.