Chapter 3 Vocabulary Flashcards
Amending Formula
The procedure for amending the Constitution that requires the approval of Parliament plus two-thirds of the provinces representing 50 percent of the population.
Bill
A proposed law.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
A section of the Constitution Act 1982, which sets out constitutionally protected rights and freedoms.
Civil Liberties
Basic individual rights protected by law, such as freedom of speech.
Executive Branch
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.
Federal System
System of government where responsibilities for governing is divided between two levels of government: the central government and the provincial government.
Government or Public Bill
a bill that is proposed by a Cabinet Minister.
Intra Vires
Latin for “within the power,” which means the power of a government has to pass laws within its own jurisdiction.
Ultra Wires
Latin for “beyond the power,” which refers to area that are beyond the power or jurisdiction of a government.
Judiciary
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.
Legislative Branch
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.
Lobby Groups
Organizations that try to influence legislation in favour of their cause.
Patriate
To bring legislative power under the authority of the country to which it appeals.
Principle of equalization
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.
Private Member’s Bill
Legislation that is proposed by a Member of Parliament (MP) of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) who is not in the Cabinet.
Residual Powes
Federal responsibility to make laws in areas not specifically assigned to either the federal government or to the provinces.
Shared Cost Agreement
Agreement between the federal and provincial to share the cost of certain programs such as health care.
Statute of Westminster
An amendment to the BNA Act that extends Canada’s law-making powers.
