Chapter 1.1: The Act of Union Flashcards
What was the Constitutional Act?
1971, divided the province of Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada, each with their own legislative assembly where citizens could vote
What was the original political structure of the Province of Canada?
UK: 1. Monarch 2. British Parliament
Canada: Governor General, elects executive and legislative councils
Legislative assembly, 50 members from each territory elected by population (Upper: 450k, Lower: 650k)
Why was Lord Durham sent to Canada? What did he realize?
He investigated the problems in the province and proposed solutions. He found that the two territories did not like each other (French v English).
What did Lord Durham suggest be done?
He proposed an assimilation of the Canadiens by sending over more British immigrants, which would render them the minority and lead them to have less of a power in gov. This led him to also suggest responsible gov., which was refused.
What was the problem with the political administration after the Constitutional Act of 1791?
Leg. ass. had to have approval from leg. counc. + Gov Gen, councils being appointed by Gov Gen who was appointed by King. Councils could appose the assembly, meaning they had no real power (not a true democracy).
What is equal representation? What was the problem for the French?
Def: equal amount of representatives per region, no matter the population
Problem: Less reps. for a greater pop. meaning less power
What was the Act of Union?
Created Canada East and West (legislative union). Equal representation, debts combined, English was the official language, undemocratic political system kept in place.
What was the 92 Resolutions?
Written in 1834 by Louis-Joseph Papineau, he called for resp. gov. (gov. gen. could not veto the bills) in order to achieve true democracy.
What was the 10 Resolutions?
Written in 1837 by Lord Russell, it was London’s response to the Patriotes’ demands. They refused many, including resp. gov.
What were the French’s reactions to London’s response?
They were angry, and gathered at Popular Assemblies to voice their unsatisfaction, which would later turn into violent protests, the biggest assembly being that of the Six Counties.
How did the Rebellions end?
The Patriotes were defeated. 12 people were hanged and many were exiled to Australia.
