The federal government is Canada's national government, headquartered in Ottawa, with authority over matters affecting the entire country. Under the Constitution, federal responsibilities include national defence, foreign affairs, currency and banking, criminal law, immigration, Indigenous affairs, international and interprovincial trade, postal service, employment insurance, and matters of national concern. The federal government consists of Parliament (the elected House of Commons and appointed Senate), the Crown represented by the Governor General, and the executive branch led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Federal decisions significantly affect municipalities despite local government being a provincial responsibility—infrastructure funding, housing policy, immigration levels, criminal law, and environmental regulations all shape local communities. Understanding federal jurisdiction helps citizens recognize which government is responsible for different issues and where to direct advocacy for change.