INTRODUCING OUR CANADIAN GOVERNMENT (REVIEW SHEET 2-1 P. 140)

1. Which organization ranked Canada as the best place in the world to live?

The United Nations2. How do Canadians reflect diversity? Religion, race, cultural traditions, values,

economic statusAccording to the 2006 census, the largest self-

reported Canadian (32%), English (21%), French (15.8%), Scottish (15.1%), Irish (13.9%), German (10.2%), Italian (4.6%), Chinese (4.3%), First Nations (4.0%), Ukrainian (3.9%), and Dutch (3.3%).There are 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands encompassing 1,172,790 people

3.What type of government rule is in place in Canada? Does it have any faults?

Democracy controlled by the people Faults: large diverse population hard

to make everyone happy4. Besides people, how else is Canada

diverse? Cultural history, Geography, Values,

Economics5. What is a constitution, what are its

2 purposes? Supreme law of the land 1.Structure for governing the nation 2. Defines and limits what a gov’t

can do

6. What is the name of Canada’s constitution? Who wrote it and where was it signed?

British North America Act (BNA)—1867

Written by John A. MacDonald Passed in Great Britain

7. What happened in 1982, why was it significant?

Constitution was “patriated” (brought home)

Canada can now make changes to its constitution on our own

8. What is the purpose of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

Outlines basic rights and responsibilities of citizens

9. Provide THREE “fundamental freedoms:”

Freedom of religion Freedom of thought, belief, opinion,

expression, freedom of the press Freedom of peaceful assembly Freedom of association

10. Explain what is meant by “equality rights”

Every person is equal under the law

WHY DID CANADA ADOPT A FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT? REVIEW SHEET 2-2: (P.141)

Canada West 7 – Ontario

Canada East 4 – Quebec, NS, NB

Federal sys. Govt 13 – Powers/ responsibilities divided b/w National and regional leves

Shared powers

Fathers of Confd. 2 – Creators of Canada’s Con.

Ottawa 1 – Federal Government Base

Prov. Cap. City 9 – Prov. Government Base

Section 91 5 – Currency, Postal, Defence

Jurisdiction 3 – Area of Authority

Section 92 10 – Education, Health Care

BNA Act 8 – Canada’s Constitution

Municipal Gov’t 12 – Agriculture, Immigration

Residual Powers 6 – Leftover Powers

WHAT ARE THE TRADITIONS OF OUR PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM? REVIEW SHEET 2-3: (P.142)

1. Historically Canada had strong ties with Great Britain and

maintains its system of Government.2. Canada’s highest level of decision making is done in

Parliament.3. The Governor General represents the Queen in Canada.

4. The current monarch of Canada is Queen Elizabeth II

and is our official head of State.5. Canada’s monarch has very little Power yet still is a part of our

Tradition6. The governor general opens Parliament by reading from the

Thrown and greeting foreign Dignitaries/Leaders7. In a “democracy,” the People have a say n the decision making.

8. Direct democracy means that people have a say in every political decision.

9. Indirect/representative democracy means citizens Elect officials who act on their behalf when it comes to decision making.

10. Voting for or against a proposed government policy is called a

Referendum.

11. Since Canada became a nation, the Federal government has had only

3 referendums, one of which was regarding Charlestown Accord.

12. Provinces and Local governments can also use referendums.

13. Newfoundland held a referendum in 1948 to determine weather…

and Quebec held two to determine whether it should remain part of Canada.