Chapter 3 Vocabulary

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

The procedure for amending the Constitution that requires the approval of Parliament plus two-thirds of the provinces representing 50 percent of the population.

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

A proposed law.

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

A section of the Constitution Act 1982, which sets out constitutionally protected rights and freedoms.

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

Basic individual rights protected by law, such as freedom of speech.

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

The administrative branch of government responsibilities for carrying out the government’s plans and policies; consists of the Prime Minister (or Premier), the Cabinet, and the public or civil service.

Question 6

Federal System

Answer 6

System of government where responsibilities for governing is divided between two levels of government: the central government and the provincial government.

Question 7

Government or Public Bill

Answer 7

a bill that is proposed by a Cabinet Minister.

Question 8

Intra Vires

Answer 8

Latin for “within the power,” which means the power of a government has to pass laws within its own jurisdiction.

Question 9

Ultra Wires

Answer 9

Latin for “beyond the power,” which refers to area that are beyond the power or jurisdiction of a government.

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

The branch of law made up of justices, or judges, who adjudicate disputes, interpret the law, and decide on punishment in Canada’s court system.

Question 11

Legislative Branch

Answer 11

The branch of the government that has the power to make, change, and repeal laws; consists of the House of Commons and Senate at the federal level and the Legislative Assembly at the provincial and territorial level.

Question 12

Lobby Groups

Answer 12

Organizations that try to influence legislation in favour of their cause.

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Principle of equalization

Answer 14

Section 36 of the Constitution Act, 1982 which includes principle that essential services such as health care, education, or access to social services should be available equally o residence in all parts of Canada.

Question 15

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 15

Legislation that is proposed by a Member of Parliament (MP) of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) who is not in the Cabinet.

Question 16

Residual Powes

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Shared Cost Agreement

Answer 17

Agreement between the federal and provincial to share the cost of certain programs such as health care.

Question 18

Statute of Westminster

Answer 18

An amendment to the BNA Act that extends Canada’s law-making powers.