Federalism Flashcards
What is a unitary system of government?
A system of gov’t in which all sovereign authority of that nation-state resides in one governing body. Usually the national government.
What is a federal system of government?
A system of government where authority is constitutionally divided between two levels of gov’t. Both levels are subordinate to the constitution.
What is federalism?
A contract between two levels of government where neither party can change the terms of the contract on its own.
What does section 91 entail?
Establishes the exclusive legislative jurisdictions of the federal gov’t.
What does section 92 entail?
Establishes the exclusive legislative jurisdictions of the provinces.
What is residual power?
Anything that is not specifically reserved for the provinces is to be part of a general federal power.
What is disallowance?
The federal government can annul provincial legislation of which it disapproves.
What is reservation?
The lieutenant governor can withhold royal assent to give the federal gov’t a chance to examine it.
Direct tax
The taxpayer is taxed directly by the government. E.G Income tax.
Indirect tax
The tax is not collected directly from the taxpayer. For example excise tax from retail.
What is quasi-federalism?
Similar to the colonial relationship between Britain and Canada. The federal gov’t is more powerful and often reserved or disallowed provincial legislation.
What is Classical federalism?
Each level of government is sovereign in the jurisdiction assigned to it. An equal relationship.
What is Cooperative federalism?
The two levels of government constantly bargaining and coordinated their actions. Also called executive federalism
what is Collaborative or open federalism?
Setting mutual expectations and standards collaboratively.
What is fiscal federalism?
Do governments have enough money to do what they are required to do?
Federal spending power
Ottawa’s power to spend its money as it sees fit. Lets the federal government influence policy in areas that constitutionally belong to the provinces.
Conditional grants
The federal government will supply monies but attach conditions on how the money can be spent.
Unconditional grants
The federal government transfer large blocks of funds to each province, which allows for greater provincial direction in how the monies are spent.
Equalization payments
Redistribution of federal tax revenue to provinces whose tax revenue fall below the national average.
Bicameralism
Power is shared between two sperate chambers so neither can act without the agreement of the other. E.g house of reps and senate.
Asymmetrical federalism
an approach to federalism in which different provinces could have somewhat different powers.
