Chapter 3 - Government and Statute Law

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

Procedure for changing the Constitution.

Requires 7 provinces or 50% of the population to amend the Constitution.

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

Proposed legislation.

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

Section of the 1982 Constitution Act. Sets out constitutionally protected rights and freedoms.`

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

Basic individual rights protected by law.

i.e. speech

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

Administrative branch of government responsible for carrying out the government’s plans and policies.

Question 6

Federal System

Answer 6

Two-level system of governing - central and provincial. Each has its own jurisdiction, but the central can overrule the provincial if it is in the best interests of Canada.

Question 7

Government or Public Bill

Answer 7

Legislation proposed by a Cabinet minister.

Question 8

Intra Vires

Answer 8

Within the power of government to pass laws.

Question 9

Ultra Vires

Answer 9

Beyond the power of the government to pass laws.

Question 10

Judiciary Branch

Answer 10

Branch of government responsible for presiding over Canada’s court system.

Question 11

Legislative Branch

Answer 11

Branch of government that has the power to make, change, and repeal laws.

Question 12

Lobby Groups

Answer 12

People who try to influence legislators in favour of their cause.

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

To bring 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, 1982. Provides for reasonable, equal access to essential services for all Canadians.

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

Federal responsibility to make laws in legislative areas not assigned to the 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 in the BNA Act.

Question 18

Statute of Westminster

Answer 18

Legislation passed in Britain that extended Canada’s law-making powers.

Question 19

Unitary System

Answer 19

One-level system of governing. Power is centralized in one parliament led by a prime minister. This system would not work for Canada because of its geographic size.