Political Features of British North America Flashcards
What was the name of the leadership position who acted as head of government for the colony?
Governor
By what method were the members of the legislative and executive councils chosen? Who chose them?
The crown appointed the governor, who chose the legislative and executive council?
Who was allowed to participate in government?
The voters consisted of male property owners. The crown generally chose a member of the British nobility to be governor. The governor tended to choose more conservative people.
What did a common man must own to be a part of the legislative assembly or either of the two councils?
Property
What were two issues that tended to deadlock the legislative assembly?
Transportation and representation.
Why did politicians from Canada West want to expand transportation facilities?
To increase trade and wealth.
Why did Canada East not want to expand transportation facilities?
They felt better links with Canada West would threaten identity and they resisted attempts to spend tax money on transportation improvements.
Why was Canada West in favour of changing the structure of the government to a representation by population system?
Canada West had a higher population than Canada East.
What 3 parts was Nova Scotia divided into?
Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick
What did tenant farmers do in order to end the Absentee Landlord issue?
Island farmers formed a tenant union and resolved that they would unite for mutual protection. They refused to pay rent by having every member provide himself with a bugle to alarm on the approaches of rent leeches.
Why did the island of Newfoundland never gave any serious consideration to joining the Maritime Union or Confederation with Canada for geographic reasons?
They were too far away to have close relations with the Canadas or Maritimes. The journey was dangerous and unpredictable.
British Columbia had a traditional British government but there was a strong influence from another country. Which one?
America
Why did some British Columbians think a merger with Canada didn’t make sense?
They felt the rest of BNA was too distant.
