British North America Act, 1867 Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What must the Governor General do after assenting to a Bill in the Queen's Name?

  • Send an authentic copy of the Act to one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. (correct)
  • Publish the Act in the official government gazette.
  • Wait for two years before taking any action.
  • Send a copy of the Act to local authorities.

What happens if the Queen in Council disallows an Act within two years of receipt?

  • The Act is annulled from the day of Signification. (correct)
  • The Act is automatically approved.
  • The Act is reviewed by a special committee.
  • The Act remains in force until a new bill is passed.

Under what condition does a Bill reserved for the Signification of the Queen's Pleasure gain force?

  • After it is publicly announced by the Governor General.
  • When it is passed by the Senate only.
  • When approved by a simple majority in Parliament.
  • When it receives the Assent of the Queen in Council within two years. (correct)

What document must be made for every Speech, Message, or Proclamation regarding the Assent of the Queen?

<p>A duplicate duly attested to be kept among the Records of Canada. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action must the Governor General take if an Act is disallowed by the Queen?

<p>Signify the disallowance by Speech or Message to Parliament. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the union of the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick as stated in the act?

<p>To enhance the welfare of the provinces and interests of the British Empire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provinces was NOT included in the initial union under the British North America Act, 1867?

<p>British Columbia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who had the authority to declare the union of the provinces as per the Act?

<p>The Queen with the Advice of Her Majesty's Privy Council. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Act, how long after its passing could the union be declared?

<p>Not more than 6 months. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Dominion' refer to in the context of the British North America Act, 1867?

<p>A federated territory within the British Empire. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was provided for in the act regarding future expansions of the federation?

<p>Admission of other parts of British North America could be eventually made. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Act refer to the Queen's successors?

<p>Provisions extended to the Heirs and Successors of the Queen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the short title by which the British North America Act, 1867 is referenced?

<p>The British North America Act, 1867 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four Provinces that Canada is divided into as per the provisions?

<p>Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for distinguishing populations every ten years?

<p>To track population growth trends (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is vested with the Executive Government and Authority of Canada?

<p>The Queen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which council aids and advises in the Government of Canada?

<p>Queen's Privy Council for Canada (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Governor General play according to the provisions?

<p>Exercises powers with advice from the Privy Council (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What title is given to the legislative body of Canada?

<p>Parliament of Canada (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city is designated as the Seat of Government of Canada?

<p>Ottawa (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which power is stated to continue to be vested in the Queen?

<p>Command of Armed Forces (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for the decennial census as mandated?

<p>Every ten years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to appoint Deputies under the Queen's authorization?

<p>The Governor General (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two former provinces are combined to form Ontario and Quebec?

<p>Upper Canada and Lower Canada (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which title is given to the upper house of Canada's Parliament?

<p>Senate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are members of the Queen's Privy Council selected?

<p>Appointed by the Governor General (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement to become a Senator in Canada?

<p>30 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Senators represent each of the Maritime Provinces in Canada?

<p>12 Senators (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Privy Council in relation to the Governor General?

<p>To advise on the exercise of powers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total maximum number of Senators allowed in the Senate of Canada?

<p>78 Senators (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the number of Senators be increased according to the provisions outlined?

<p>On recommendation of the Governor General (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What property value must a Senator possess to qualify for the position?

<p>$4,000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a qualification to become a Senator?

<p>Political party membership (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often must the Parliament of Canada hold a Session?

<p>Once every year (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tenure of a Senator in Canada?

<p>Lifetime appointment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a qualification for a Senator relating to residency?

<p>Residence in Ontario to represent Quebec (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to summon Senators to the Senate?

<p>The Governor General (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must happen if the number of Senators exceeds the prescribed maximum?

<p>No new Senators can be summoned until the number is reduced (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process for resigning from the Senate?

<p>Written notice to the Governor General (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Canada, how many divisions is the Senate composed of for provincial representation?

<p>Three Divisions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is summoned first to the Senate?

<p>Persons approved by the Queen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for issuing Writs for the First Election of Members to the House of Commons?

<p>The Governor General (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in case of a vacancy in the House of Commons before the meeting of Parliament?

<p>The provisions for issuing and returning a Writ apply. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When must the House of Commons elect a Speaker after a General Election?

<p>As soon as practicable (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the quorum for a meeting of the House of Commons?

<p>Twenty members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who presides over all meetings of the House of Commons?

<p>The Speaker (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the House of Commons to make a decision on questions arising?

<p>Majority excluding the Speaker's vote (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does each House of Commons continue after the Writs for choosing the House are returned?

<p>Five years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is representation adjusted after each decennial Census?

<p>By Parliament according to specified rules (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Governor General regarding money votes in the House of Commons?

<p>To recommend money votes before they can be passed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Speaker is absent for more than forty-eight hours?

<p>Another member can act as Speaker. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Governor General have regarding Bills presented for Royal Assent?

<p>To declare assent based on personal discretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the number of Members for each Province determined during representation readjustment?

<p>Proportionate to Quebec's representation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for a reduction in the number of Members for a Province during readjustment?

<p>A proportionate decrease in population exceeding one-twentieth part (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a Senator who fails to attend for two consecutive sessions?

<p>His place becomes vacant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would cause a Senator to vacate their seat?

<p>Taking an oath of allegiance to a foreign power. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is a Senator not considered to have ceased qualifications regarding residence?

<p>If he lives at the Seat of Government while holding an office. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for filling a vacancy in the Senate?

<p>The Governor General. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of Senators required to constitute a meeting of the Senate?

<p>Fifteen Senators. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Senate, how are questions typically decided?

<p>By a simple majority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which entity decides questions related to the qualification of a Senator?

<p>The Senate itself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Members are there in the House of Commons?

<p>181 Members. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provinces is allocated the highest number of Members in the House of Commons?

<p>Ontario. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What requirement must be met for a Male British Subject aged twenty-one or older to vote in the District of Algoma?

<p>He must be a householder. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Speaker of the Senate?

<p>To vote only in tie situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the existing laws, which of the following areas does not concern the qualifications of voters in the House of Commons?

<p>Voter eligibility for local elections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a Senator who is adjudged bankrupt?

<p>His Senate position becomes vacant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for a Senator's position to become vacated?

<p>Change of political party. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In how many electoral districts is Quebec divided for the election of Members to the House of Commons?

<p>65 electoral districts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

British North America Act of 1867

An act that united Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion, with a similar constitution to the UK.

Dominion of Canada

The newly formed political entity created by the British North America Act of 1867.

Proclamation

A formal declaration by the Queen, announcing the official formation of the Dominion of Canada.

Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

The three provinces involved in the political union as part of the British North America Act, 1867.

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Six Months

The maximum time period after the Act's passing before the Dominion of Canada could be officially proclaimed.

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Executive Government

The system responsible for the daily running and administration of the Canadian government.

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Legislative Authority

The set of institutions responsible for creating and passing laws in the new Dominion.

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British Empire

The vast global network of British territories and possessions.

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Canada's Division

Canada is split into four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

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Ontario & Quebec Origin

Ontario and Quebec were created from parts of the pre-existing Province of Canada (Upper and Lower Canada).

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Nova Scotia & New Brunswick Limits

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick retain their existing borders.

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Canadian Census

A population count in Canada, done every 10 years, starting in 1871.

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Executive Power in Canada

The Queen holds the executive power and authority in Canada.

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Governor General's Role

The Governor General, or other executive leader carries out the Queen's duties in Canada.

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Queen's Privy Council

A council to advise the Governor General in governing Canada.

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Powers of Governor General

Powers previously held by other governors are now held by the Governor General, with the advice of the Privy Council

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Governor General in Council

Refers to the Governor General acting with the Queen's Privy Council.

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Governor General Deputy

The Queen can authorize the Governor General to appoint deputies who can help carry out responsibilities in specific areas.

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Command of Armed Forces

The Queen commands the Canadian armed forces.

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Seat of Government

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, initially.

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Parliament of Canada

The government of Canada, composed of the Queen, Senate, and House of Commons.

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Disallowance

The Queen's power to nullify a Canadian law passed by Parliament within two years of its passage.

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Royal Assent

The Governor General's formal approval of a bill passed by the Canadian Parliament, signifying it's a law.

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Signification of Queen's Pleasure

The process by which a bill reserved for the Queen's approval is formally announced as approved or rejected by the Governor General.

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Bill Reserved

A bill passed by Parliament that is not automatically enacted into law and requires the Queen's approval.

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Two Years

The maximum timeframe for the Queen to disallow a Canadian law or to signify her pleasure on a reserved bill.

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Senate Membership

The Senate of Canada is composed of 72 Senators.

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Senate Divisions

Canada is divided into three parts (Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces) for Senate representation.

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Ontario Senators

Ontario has 24 Senators in the Senate.

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Quebec Senators

Quebec has 24 Senators in the Senate.

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Maritime Senators

The Maritime Provinces(Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) have 24 Senators in the Senate.

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Senator Qualifications (Age)

Senators must be at least 30 years old.

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Senator Qualifications (Citizenship)

Senators must be a British subject or naturalized by British or Canadian authority.

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Senator Property Qualification

A Senator must own land or property worth at least 4000 dollars.

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Senator Residency

Senators need to be residents of the province they represent.

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Appointment to Senate

The Governor General appoints qualified individuals to the Senate.

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Senator Term

A Senator's position is generally lifelong, unless they resign.

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Senate Maximum Size

The Senate cannot exceed 78 members.

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Senate Resignation

A Senator may resign their position via written notice to the Governor General.

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Parliament's Privileges

Parliament's special rights are defined by Canadian law, but cannot exceed those of the UK's.

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Parliament's Yearly Session

Parliament must meet at least once a year, with no more than 12 months between sessions.

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Senator's Vacancy: Non-attendance

A Senator loses their position if they miss two consecutive parliamentary sessions.

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Senator's Vacancy: Foreign Allegiance

A Senator is disqualified if they pledge allegiance to a foreign power or become a citizen of another country.

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Senator's Vacancy: Financial Issues

A Senator loses their position if they are declared bankrupt, insolvent, or take advantage of debtor protection laws.

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Senator's Vacancy: Criminal Convictions

A Senator is disqualified if convicted of treason, felony, or any crime considered 'infamous.'

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Senator's Vacancy: Qualification Loss

A Senator loses their position if they no longer meet the property or residency requirements.

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Filling Senate Vacancies

The Governor General appoints a suitable person to fill a vacant Senate seat.

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Disputes about Senators

The Senate itself resolves any questions about a Senator's qualifications or the existence of a vacancy.

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Speaker of the Senate

The Governor General appoints a Senator to act as the Speaker of the Senate, who can be removed and replaced.

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Senate Quorum

A minimum of 15 Senators, including the Speaker, are needed for the Senate to conduct business.

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Senate Voting

Decisions in the Senate are made by a majority vote, with the Speaker also able to vote.

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House of Commons Composition

The House of Commons has 181 members, with the number allocated to each province based on population.

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Summoning the House of Commons

The Governor General calls and summons the House of Commons on behalf of the Queen.

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Senators and the House

Senators are not allowed to be elected, sit, or vote in the House of Commons.

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Electoral Districts

Canada is divided into electoral districts, with each district electing one representative to the House of Commons.

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Existing Election Laws

The rules for elections to the House of Commons are based on the laws existing in each province at the time of Confederation.

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First House of Commons Election

The initial election to select members for the new Canadian House of Commons, following the creation of the Dominion of Canada.

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Governor General's Role in Elections

The Governor General issues writs (orders) for elections to the House of Commons, determining the format and assigning returning officers for each electoral district.

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Returning Officers' Power

Returning officers have the authority to oversee elections, as defined by the British North America Act, similar to the powers held by officials in pre-Confederation provinces.

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Casual Vacancies in House of Commons

If a Member of Parliament (MP) leaves their seat before a new Parliament convenes, or after it meets but before a process is established to fill the vacancy, the rules for issuing and returning writs for a by-election apply.

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House of Commons Speaker

The leader of the House of Commons who presides over debates and maintains order.

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Speaker Election

The House of Commons elects a Speaker from among its members immediately after a general election.

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Speaker Vacancy Filling

If the Speaker dies, resigns, or is otherwise removed, the House of Commons promptly elects a replacement.

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Speaker's Role

The Speaker presides over all House of Commons meetings, ensuring things are run smoothly and fairly.

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Temporary Speaker

If the Speaker is absent for more than 48 hours, the House of Commons can elect another member to act as Speaker, temporarily fulfilling the speaker's responsibilities.

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House of Commons Quorum

The minimum number of members needed to be present for a meeting of the House of Commons to be official and valid.

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Quorum Requirement

At least 20 members, including the speaker, must be present for the House of Commons to conduct business.

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Voting in the House of Commons

Decisions in the House of Commons are made by a majority vote, with the speaker voting only in the case of a tie.

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House of Commons Duration

Each House of Commons is elected for a term of five years, but can be dissolved earlier by the Governor General.

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Census-Based Readjustment

The number of representatives for each province is adjusted every ten years based on changes in population, using census data.

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Quebec's Fixed Representation

Quebec was guaranteed a fixed number of 65 seats in the House of Commons, regardless of population changes.

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Study Notes

British North America Act, 1867: Key Provisions

  • Purpose: Unification of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion under the British Crown.
  • Union Proclamation: The Queen, advised by the Privy Council, can declare the union, with a six-month timeframe.
  • Formation of Canada: Canada's inception on the proclaimed date, comprising the three original provinces and others as they joined.
  • Province Divisions: Canada becomes four provinces—Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
  • Quebec and Ontario split: Upper and Lower Canada portions become separate provinces.
  • Provincial Limits: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick boundaries remain the same as in 1867.
  • Decennial Census: A census of Canada and its provinces is mandated every ten years starting in 1871.

Executive Power

  • Executive Authority: The Queen holds executive power vested in Canada.
  • Governor General: The Governor General acts on behalf of the Queen.
  • Privy Council: A Council, known as the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, advises the Governor General. Membership is appointed and removable.
  • Transferred Powers: Powers of the Governors and Lieutenant Governors of the constituent provinces, including the exercise of advice, consent, or combined councils within provincial legislation, are transferred to the Governor General, in conjunction with the Privy Council, and subject to amendment by the Canadian Parliament.
  • Governor General in Council: The Governor General acts through the Privy Council.
  • Deputy Appointments: The Queen can authorize the Governor General to appoint deputies to exercise some of the Governor General's powers.
  • Armed Forces: The Queen retains command of Canada’s military forces.
  • Seat of Government: Ottawa is the stated capital until further notification.

Legislative Power

  • Parliament: Canada has a parliament comprising the Queen, Senate, and House of Commons.
  • House Privileges: Senate and House of Commons members' privileges and powers align with the British Parliament, but are subject to modification by the Canadian Parliament, subject to a limit under the Act.
  • First Session: Parliament must convene within six months of the Union.
  • Annual Sessions: There must be at least one parliamentary session per year , with no more than twelve months between sessions.

Senate

  • Structure: 72 Senators, representing three equal divisions of Canada.
  • Provinicial Representation: Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces are equally represented in the Senate.
  • Senator Qualifications: Age (30), citizenship (either natural-born or naturalised before the Act), land ownership requirements, financial constraints, residence.
  • Senator Appointing: The Governor General appoints qualified individuals to the Senate.
  • First Senators: Initial appointments are made by the Queen. Further appointments can be made at the recommendation of the Governor-General, representing the divisions proportionally.
  • Max Number of Senators: 78
  • Tenure: Senators hold office for life unless they resign.
  • Vacancy: Various grounds for voiding a Senator's seat—no attendance, foreign allegiance, bankruptcy, felonious activity, or loss of qualification.
  • Vacancy filling: The Governor General appoints individuals to fill Senate vacancies
  • Decision-making: Senate decisions are via majority vote. The speaker has a vote in case of a tie.
  • Quorum: Fifteen Senators required to initiate meetings..

House of Commons

  • Size: 181 Members, with specific allocations to Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
  • Summoning: The Governor General summons the House of Commons.
  • Disqualifications: Senators cannot be members of the Commons.
  • Electoral Districts: Provinces are divided into districts based on the act, specific to each province, including the number of representatives per area.
  • Existing Elections Laws: Provincial election laws largely remain in effect for House of Commons elections until amended by Canadian Parliament.
  • Elections: There are specific laws on voter qualification for Commons elections for some provinces including Algoma.
  • First Elections and Writs: Governors General issue election writs in the established manner, with powers delegated to returning officers.
  • Vacancies: Provisions on handling vacancies in the House before or after parliament session.
  • Speaker: The Speaker is a member elected by the House and presides over proceedings, taking a vote in a tiebreaker.
  • Quorum: 20 Members required to conduct business.
  • Voting: Majority vote, Speaker's vote counts in ties.
  • Term: Each house of Commons lasts 5 years, before dissolution at Governor General's discretion.

Financial Provisions

  • Origination of Appropriation and Taxes: Appropriation bills and tax measures must originate in the House of Commons
  • Royal Assent: Bills passed by parliament must be sent to the Governor General for the Queen's approval and can be either assented to, or vetoed.
  • Disallowance: The Queen can disallow an act within two years of receiving it in council.
  • Reserved Bills: Bills reserved for the Queen's approval carry the Queen in Council's two-year disallowance timeline and procedure.
  • Census Re-adjustments: Provincial representation within both houses is readjusted on the basis of results from each 10-yearly census.
  • Money Votes: The Governor-General must recommend money votes to the house before adoption.

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Test your knowledge about the British North America Act of 1867, which led to the formation of Canada as a Dominion. This quiz covers the background, significance, and implications of the Act for the provinces involved. Assess your understanding of this pivotal moment in Canadian history!

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