Chapter 3

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

The set of steps necessary to add/change/remove any law from the Constitution.

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

A proposed law.

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

A section of the Constitution Act which sets of the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens that are protected by law.

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

Basic human rights protected by law.

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

The branch of government responsible for carrying out plans and policies. It consists of the prime minister, the Cabinet and the public service.

Question 6

Federal System

Answer 6

A system of government where responsibilities for governing is divided between two levels of government. These levels are the central government and provincial governments.

Question 7

Government/Public Bill

Answer 7

A bill proposed by a Cabinet minister.

Question 8

Intra Vires

Answer 8

The power a government has to pass laws within its own jurisdiction.

Question 9

Ultra Vires

Answer 9

When a government attempts to pass a law that is outside of its jurisdiction and has no power.

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

The branch of law made up of justices who interpret the law and decide punishments in Canada’s court system.

Question 11

Legislative Branch

Answer 11

The branch of government that has the power to make/change/repeal laws.

Question 12

Lobby Groups

Answer 12

Organizations that try to influence legislators in favour of their case.

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Principle of Equalization

Answer 14

Section 36 of the Constitution Act, stating that services such as health care and education should be available equally to all residents of Canada.

Question 15

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 15

A bill proposed by an elected representative not in the Cabinet.

Question 16

Residual Powers.

Answer 16

Federal responsibility to make laws in areas not specifically assigned to either the federal government or provinces.

Question 17

Shared Cost Agreement

Answer 17

Agreements between the federal government and the provinces to share the cost of certain programs such as health care.

Question 18

Statute of Westminster

Answer 18

An amendment to the BNA Act which gave Canada the power to make its own laws independently of Britain.

Question 19

Unitary System

Answer 19

A system of government where power is centralized in one level of government.