Chapter 3

Question 1

Amending formula

Answer 1

procedure for changing the Constitution (2/3 of the provinces, representing 50% of the populations, also approved by parliament)

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

proposed legislation

Question 3

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 3

a section of the Constitution Act (1982), which sets out constitutionally protected rights and freedoms

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Answer 4

basic individual rights protected by law (i.e. freedom of speech)

Question 5

Executive Branch

Answer 5

the administrative branch of government responsible for carrying out the government’s plans and policies (comprised of the PM, Cabinet, public or civil services)

Question 6

Federal system

Answer 6

a two-level system of governing (central government and provincial government)

Question 7

Government or Public Bill

Answer 7

legislation proposed by a Cabinet minister

Question 8

Intra viras

Answer 8

within the power of government to pass laws

Question 9

Ultra viras

Answer 9

beyond the power of government to pass laws

Question 10

Judiciary

Answer 10

the branch of government responsible for presiding over Canada’s Court system (i.e. adjudicating disputes, interpreting laws, deciding punishments)

Question 11

Legislative branch

Answer 11

the branch of government that has the power to make, change and repeal laws (aka parliament). Passes statute laws

Question 12

Lobby groups

Answer 12

people who try to influence legislators in favour of their causes (i.e. MADD)

Question 13

Patriate

Answer 13

to bring legislative power under the authority of the country to which it applies. Elliott Trudea patriated our Constitution in 1982.

Question 14

Principe of Equalization

Answer 14

Section 36 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which provides for equal access to essential services for all Canadians

Question 15

Private member’s bill

Answer 15

legislation proposed by an MP who is not in the Cabinet

Question 16

Residual powers

Answer 16

federal responsibility to make laws in legislative areas not assigned to the provinces. (Left over powers like airports and telecommunication)

Question 17

Shared cost agreements

Answer 17

arrangements between the two levels of government to share the cost for programs in areas not identified in the BNA Act (i.e. money for health care)

Question 18

Statute of Westminster

Answer 18

Legislation passed in Britain that extended Canada’s law-making powers, passed in 1931. Canada could make their own laws independently, and they couldn’t be overruled by Britain.

Question 19

Unitary system

Answer 19

a one-level system of governing (used in Great Britain)