Exam Review Flashcards
Explain the concept of responsible government.
The political executive must maintain the confidence of its legislature in order to remain in power. They should step down if not.
Define ministerial responsibility
Each minister must answer for all the actions undertaken in the name of the ministry
What was the significance of the Statute of Westminster on the Constitution?
It established the equality of British and Canadian parliaments
What is the word used to describe the process of gaining the authority to amend a country’s constitution?
Patriation
What is the name of the act that allowed for Canadian patriation, and what year was it signed?
The Constitution Act of 1982
What can be found in section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The notwithstanding clause.
What is the notwithstanding clause and what year was it implemented?
It permits legislatures to pass laws that breach certain rights and freedoms. These laws are only in effect for 5 years. It was created in 1982 with the Constitution Act
Which section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines Aboriginal treaty rights?
Section 35.
Explain the reasonable limits clause.
Found in section 1 of the Charter, it allows governments to pass laws that may violate rights, but are necessary to protect other democratic norms. Your rights can’t infringe on other people’s rights.
Who is the Head of State in Canada?
The Monarch
The Division of Powers refers to which section of the Canadian Constitution?
Sections 91 and 92
Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
John A. Macdonald
How many constitutions has Canada had?
5
How many judges sit on the Supreme Court of Canada?
9, and 3 must come from Quebec
How many major systems of law are there? What are they?
There are 3. Common Law, Civil Law, and Sharia Law
Where are diversity rights found in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Section 15
Which Prime Minister introduced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
Stephen Harper
What is POGG?
Peace, Order and Good Government
How many national parties are there in Canada and what are they?
- Liberal, Conservative, Green, NDP and PPC
Who is Beverley McLachlin?
The first female Chief Justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Which document is considered Canada’s first Constitution?
The Royal Proclamation Act
True or False: Ministerial Responsibility is an unwritten constitutional component.
True
Who introduced Ministerial Responsibility?
Lord Durham
What does the 4th estate refer to?
The media
How many seats are there in the House of Commons?
338
