Chapter 3 Vocabulary Flashcards
Amending Formula
The amending formula describes the conditions that must be met in order for a change to be made to the Canadian constitution. The general formula is as follows: changes must be approved by the federal parliament, the senate, and it must be approved by at least 7 provinces representing at least 50% of the country’s population (often known as the 7 + 50 rule).
Bill
A set of laws written by a member of parliament with the intention of passing them in the House of Commons or a provincial legislature, so as to make these laws official laws of the country/province.
Civil Liberties
Personal Guarantees and Freedoms that the government cannot abridge, either by law or judicial interpretation, without due process.
Executive Branch
The branch of government that consists of the queen, the governor general, and the prime minister and his cabinet at a federal level, and the queen, the lieutenant governor, and the premier at a provincial level.
Federal System
A two-level system of government.
Government or Public Bill
Legislation proposed by a cabinet minister.
Intra Vires
An expression that means that a certain power is within the jurisdiction of a specific government entity.
Judiciary
The branch of government responsible for presiding over the court system.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government responsible for writing and passing laws by vote.
Lobby Groups
Groups that try to influence legislators to be in favour of their cause.
Patriate
To bring legislative power under the authority of the country to which it applies.
Principle of Equalization
The idea that money should be taken from wealthier provinces and given to poorer ones, so that services in each province can be of equal quality.
Private Member’s Bill
Legislation proposed by an MP who is not a member of the Cabinet.
Residual Powers
Federal responsibility to make laws in legislative areas not assigned to the provinces.
Statute of Westminster
Legislation passed in Britain that extended Canada’s law-making powers.
