Chapter 3 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Amending Formula
The set of steps necessary to add/change/remove any law from the Constitution.
Bill
A proposed law.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
A section of the Constitution Act which sets of the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens that are protected by law.
Civil Liberties
Basic human rights protected by law.
Executive Branch
The branch of government responsible for carrying out plans and policies. It consists of the prime minister, the Cabinet and the public service.
Federal System
A system of government where responsibilities for governing is divided between two levels of government. These levels are the central government and provincial governments.
Government/Public Bill
A bill proposed by a Cabinet minister.
Intra Vires
The power a government has to pass laws within its own jurisdiction.
Ultra Vires
When a government attempts to pass a law that is outside of its jurisdiction and has no power.
Judiciary
The branch of law made up of justices who interpret the law and decide punishments in Canada’s court system.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government that has the power to make/change/repeal laws.
Lobby Groups
Organizations that try to influence legislators in favour of their case.
Patriate
To bring the legislative power under the authority of the country to which it applies.
Principle of Equalization
Section 36 of the Constitution Act, stating that services such as health care and education should be available equally to all residents of Canada.
Private Member’s Bill
A bill proposed by an elected representative not in the Cabinet.
Residual Powers.
Federal responsibility to make laws in areas not specifically assigned to either the federal government or provinces.
Shared Cost Agreement
Agreements between the federal government and the provinces to share the cost of certain programs such as health care.
Statute of Westminster
An amendment to the BNA Act which gave Canada the power to make its own laws independently of Britain.
Unitary System
A system of government where power is centralized in one level of government.
