Political features of british north america Flashcards
What was the name of the leadership position who acted as the head of government for the colony
Governor
By what method were members of the Legislative and Executive Councils chosen? Who chose them?
The government appointed members of the legislative and executive council
Participation in the government was limited to a select group of individuals. At this time, who was allowed to participate in the government?
the Crown, the nobility, and men who owned property.
What must a common man own is he wanted to be a part of the Legislative Assembly or either of the two Councils?
Property
What is Political Deadlock?
A situation where progress cannot be made because the parties involved do not agree.
What were the two main issues that tended to deadlock the legislative assembly?
Transportation and Representation
Politicians from Canada West (english speaking) water to expand transportation facilities. Why?
To increase trade and wealth
Why did Canada East (french speaking) NOT want to expand transportation facilities?
They felt that better links with Canada West would threaten their identity and they resisted attempts to spend tax money on transportation improvements
Why was Canada West in favor of changing the structure of the government to a ‘Representation by Population’ (REP BY POP) system, rather than an ‘Equal Representation’ system favored by Canada East?
Canada West had a greater population than Canada East.
Before 1784, there were only two colonies in the Maritime region - Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. In that same year, Nova Scotia was divided into 3 parts. What were they?
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Cape Brenton Island.
By the late 1850s, it was suggested that these individual colonies should be amalgamated once again. Why was this suggestion made?
Supporters of union said that a single government controlling this larger population would have greater influence in north America
It would have been relatively easy to create a single colony in the Maritimes with a combined population of 663,000 person. Why was this process of combining them colonies together would be relatively easy?
All three colonies had the same form of government
The big problem in Prince Edward Island was the issue of absentee landlords. Who owned all of the land on Prince Edward Island? Why would this be a problem for colonist of PEI?
All the land was owned by the British who sold land to wealthy families who lived in Britain PEI farmers rented land from the landowners in other colonies from farm families could rent land for cheap while it was impossible for PEI
What did the tenant farmers plan to do in order to end the absentee landlord issue?
Farmers formed a tenant union to push for change. They passed three resolutions
Number one that they would withhold to resist seizure and sale to pay rent
Number two that their duty is to unite for mutual protection in order to end the leasehold system
Number three would provide themselves with a bugle to summon the note on the approach of rent collectors
As a result of the absentee landlord problems, Prince Edward Island refused to consider joining either Maritime union or confederation with the Canada’s because of its…
“ isolated, peculiar and exceptional positioning as contrasted with the other British North America provinces and colonies.”
