Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is a Constitution?
A set of rules that authoritatively establishes both the structure and the fundamental principles of the political regime.
What are Canada’s ‘rules’ or principles of the constitution?
- responsible government
- federalism
- judicial review
- constitutional monarchy
- rule of law
- democracy
Where do we find the rules?
Constitution Act, 1867 (BNA Act) –> Section 96 - feds power to appoint judges.
What was the federal amendments to the Constitutional Act, 1867?
Constitutional Act, 1915 - gave western provinces 24 senators.
British statues and orders in council?
statue of west minister, 1931
Organic Canadian Statues?
parliament of Canada Act
The Constitution Act,, 1982?
Charter of rights and freedoms.
The Constitution Act,, 1982?
Charter of rights and freedoms.
Judicial Decisions?
patriation reference
What is the written Constitution?
- Constitution Act,1867 (BNA Act)
- section 91
- it shall be lawful for advice and consent of the senate and house of commons, to make laws for peace, order, and good government of Canada.
What is the Unwritten Constitution?
The existence of the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary cabinet (no mention in written constitution)
What are constitutional conventions not enforced by the courts?
- positions of prime minister and the cabinet
- formal powers of the governor general
- principle of responsible government.
Canadian constitutional history does not begin in 1867.
What does constitutional order pre-date?
European Settlement to the adverse effect on indigenous interests.
Undeclaration on the rights of indigenous peoples (2007)?
recognized indigenous rights to self-government, land, equality and language, as well as basic human rights.
What was Bill C-15?
Canada signed May 2016, legislation introduced to implement the declaration December 2020.
What is Pre-Confederation in the constitutional act in 1791?
Creates upper and lower Canada, each has legislative and judicial institutions. - creates elected legislative assemblies.
What is Lord Durham’s report?
- response to upper and lower Canada rebellions.
- recommended responsible government and amalgamating upper and lower Canada.
What is the formation of the dominion of Canada?
British parliament passed the British North America Act, 1867. Joining together three colonies.
What are the three colonies?
- federal union
- domestic self-interest
- American Expansionism
changing colonial status
What are the 5 BNA Act in 1867?
- Form of government similar in principle to that of U.K.
- Enable colonial provinces to join a political union
- not highly detailed
- Relies on responsible government
- Division of authority between the federal and provincial government.
What is Bicameral mean?
spilt between two parts, having two branches or chambers.
How did the essential principles of aboriginal law emerged?
out of long process of interaction between indigenous peoples and French, British, and Canadian governments in North American.