Chapter 3

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

A procedure for amending the constitution
Any amendment requires two-thirds of the provinces representing at least 50% of the population
If amendment only affects one province, you only need the approval of province and federal government

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

A piece of proposed legislation

Idea can be created through Royal Commissions, Interest Groups, Advisory Boards or Ministers’ Initiatives

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

A section of the Constitution Act that outlines constitutionally protected rights and freedoms

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

Basic individual rights protected by the law through the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

The administrative branch of government responsible for proposing bills through the Cabinet and carrying out these bills through the public or civil service

Question 6

Federal System

Answer 6

A two-level system of government where power is distributed into provincial and central government
(Ex. Canada)
Contrasts the unitary system of Great Britain, which would be ineffective in Canada due to its geographical size

Question 7

Government or Public Bill

Answer 7

Legislation proposed by a Cabinet Minister

Question 8

Intra Vires

Answer 8

It’s within the jurisdiction of the government to pass laws

Question 9

Ultra Vires

Answer 9

It’s beyond the jurisdiction of the government to pass laws

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

The branch of government responsible for residing over Canada’s court system
Justices must interpret the law in light of the Charter

Question 11

Legislative Branch

Answer 11

The branch of government, known as Parliament on the federal level or legislature on the provincial level, has the power to make, change and repeal laws.
The federal level is made up of the Senate the House of Commons and the Governor General. The provincial level is made up of the legislative assembly and the Lieutenant-Governor.

Question 12

Lobby Groups

Answer 12

A group of people who try to influence the public and legislators in favour of their cause
Ex. MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving)

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

To bring legislative power under the authority of the country to which is applies

Question 14

Principle of Equalization

Answer 14

To provide equal access and quality to essential services for all Canadians
Ex. Hospital in Nova Scotia should be the same as Hospital in BC

Question 15

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 15

Legislation proposed by an MP who is not in the Cabinet

Question 16

Residual Powers

Answer 16

s. 91 of the Constitution allows the federal government to make laws in legislative areas not assigned to provinces

Question 17

Shared Cost Agreements

Answer 17

Arrangements between the two levels of government to share the cost for programs in areas not identified by the BNA Act

Question 18

Statute of Westminster

Answer 18

Legislation passed in Britain the extended Canada’s law-making powers
Amended the Constitution to allow Canada to make it’s own laws that couldn’t be overruled by Britain

Question 19

Unitary System

Answer 19

A one-level system of government
Ex. Britain (power is centralized in one parliament)
Contrasts the Federal System of Canada