Chapter 3 Vocabulary

Question 1

Amending Formula

Answer 1

The amending formula describes the conditions that must be met in order for a change to be made to the Canadian constitution. The general formula is as follows: changes must be approved by the federal parliament, the senate, and it must be approved by at least 7 provinces representing at least 50% of the country’s population (often known as the 7 + 50 rule).

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

A set of laws written by a member of parliament with the intention of passing them in the House of Commons or a provincial legislature, so as to make these laws official laws of the country/province.

Question 3

Civil Liberties

Answer 3

Personal Guarantees and Freedoms that the government cannot abridge, either by law or judicial interpretation, without due process.

Question 4

Executive Branch

Answer 4

The branch of government that consists of the queen, the governor general, and the prime minister and his cabinet at a federal level, and the queen, the lieutenant governor, and the premier at a provincial level.

Question 5

Federal System

Answer 5

A two-level system of government.

Question 6

Government or Public Bill

Answer 6

Legislation proposed by a cabinet minister.

Question 7

Intra Vires

Answer 7

An expression that means that a certain power is within the jurisdiction of a specific government entity.

Question 8

Judiciary

Answer 8

The branch of government responsible for presiding over the court system.

Question 9

Legislative Branch

Answer 9

The branch of government responsible for writing and passing laws by vote.

Question 10

Lobby Groups

Answer 10

Groups that try to influence legislators to be in favour of their cause.

Question 11

Patriate

Answer 11

To bring legislative power under the authority of the country to which it applies.

Question 12

Principle of Equalization

Answer 12

The idea that money should be taken from wealthier provinces and given to poorer ones, so that services in each province can be of equal quality.

Question 13

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 13

Legislation proposed by an MP who is not a member of the Cabinet.

Question 14

Residual Powers

Answer 14

Federal responsibility to make laws in legislative areas not assigned to the provinces.

Question 15

Statute of Westminster

Answer 15

Legislation passed in Britain that extended Canada’s law-making powers.

Question 16

Ultra Vires

Answer 16

An expression that means that a certain power is beyond the jurisdiction of a specific government entity.

Question 17

Unitary System

Answer 17

A one-level system of government.