Chapter 3 Vocabulary

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

The process that enables the government to change the constitution. In Canada, 7 out of the 10 provinces must be in agreement, as well representing 50% of the population.

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

In a broad sense, it’s the beginning stages of a possible law. It is proposed to the government and goes through various stages in order to be passed.

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

Canada’s constitution that represents each individuals rights and freedoms in respect that they aren’t affecting any body else. Also protects the population from laws that violate a person’s rights or freedoms.

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

Basic rights that a person is given through the constitution. This ranges from the ability to practice religion or freedom of speech. These are essential to what make up our constitution.

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

The part of government that encompasses the prime minister, the cabinet and civil services. Ministers that are responsible for public health, safety and transportation are all apart of this branch of government.

Question 6

Federal System

Answer 6

A system that has a division of power between two levels of government, each having its own jurisdiction. These levels are called the Central Government and Provincial government. Ultimately the central government can override the provincial in the best interest of all Canadian’s but its unlikely at the best of times.

Question 7

Government or Public Bill

Answer 7

A possible law or piece of legislation that is proposed by a cabinet minister to the separate branches of government. These ideas often relate to the responsibilities that the minister withholds, and in each case can help improve the different circumstances that the public wants dealt with.

Question 8

Intra Vires

Answer 8

Passing laws within a governments jurisdiction. There is no other government opposing the legislation and therefore goes through.

Question 9

Ultra Vires

Answer 9

Beyond the power of the government. Latin for “beyond their power”. In this case, the government is forced to submit their power to another force such as the Supreme Court of Canada or Central government because of the overall impact on the wellbeing of Canadians.

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

The branch of government that revolved around Canada’s Court System. The members of this branch include judges and other court officials, and to note that its an independent part of the government compared to the other two. This group is in place to interpret law, rule on precedent, and enforce law that has been created by the other branches of the government.

Question 11

Legislative Branch

Answer 11

The branch of government with the power and ability to make, change, and repeal laws. They are often referred to as Parliament, obtaining both the House of Commons and the Senate. Also to note that this part of government is part of the Provincial Government.

Question 12

Lobby Group

Answer 12

People or groups that are independent from the government but attempt to influence in order for that potential official to become elected/re-elected. These groups are also organizations that focus around certain issues in the environment that people wish to see change such as SBYC or WWF.

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

Refers the act of “bringing home the constitution”. It brings legislative power to a country at which it is in regards to.

Question 14

Principle of Equalization

Answer 14

Section 36 of the Constitution that encompasses equal access to essential services for all Canadians. It also refers to economic growth and reduction of poverty. As well notes the funding to provincial governments that allows them to take care of the people that is has.

Question 15

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 15

A piece of legislation that is suggested by a MP (not part of the cabinet or inside circle). It can be proposed by a civilian, lobbyists, or even corporations but it must be supported and communicated by the MP in order to be considered.

Question 16

Residual Power

Answer 16

A part of the federal government that controls certain areas or provinces that don’t have second teared governments. These areas are referred to by this in order for them to have a valid government authority figure. They have control over actives such as telecommunication or airport travel.

Question 17

Shared Cost Agreements

Answer 17

The arrangement and terms that allows the two powers of government within a federal system to take equal economic responsibility for an area. These are often related to provinces that don’t have a provincial government like the territories in Canada. They were not identified within the British North America Act and therefore need further agreements.

Question 18

Statue of Westminster

Answer 18

The legislation/ laws passed that enabled Canada’s ability to create laws for itself. They were no longer under Britain’s control when it came to passing potential legislation proposed in the future. This was passed in 1931 and is still in place. This also gave Canada the rights to make agreements with other countries and function completely independently from Britain.

Question 19

Unitary System

Answer 19

Contrasting the Federal System, this way of government is only one level and used in Great Britain. There is only one centralized government with ultimate control. Led by a prime minister, this form of government was used with a densely populated country. One of the reasons that Canada didn’t acquire this form of government, because of how spread out it was.