Canadian Law and Rights Quiz

The growth of technology, such as transportation advancements, multinational businesses, globalization, and space exploration, can lead to new laws or changes in existing ones.

Population shifts and changes, like an increase in emigration, can necessitate new laws to address the evolving needs of a society.

Changes in societal values, as seen in the aftermath of WWII, can lead to the development of new laws to protect human rights and punish crimes against humanity.

When nations face emergencies like wars or pandemics, they may implement temporary or permanent legal changes to manage the situation.

Through legal challenges in court, individuals can advocate for changes in laws they believe are outdated or violate fundamental rights.

The principle that Parliament holds the highest authority in making Canadian laws. They can create, change, or abolish any law.

Laws that are based on precedents set by previous court decisions.

Long-standing practices that have become accepted as rules, even if they are not written down.

Unwritten rules that govern political behavior, often based on tradition and agreement.

A type of law based on natural principles that are believed to be universal and unchanging.

Laws that are created by human authorities, such as governments.

The belief that judges should be independent of political pressure when making decisions.

A way of looking at law in a practical way, examining real-world situations and how law affects people.

A declaration by King George III after Britain defeated New France, stating that Aboriginal peoples had the right to their lands until they chose to sell or trade them. It also prohibited settlement on Aboriginal lands without Crown approval. This proclamation is referenced in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

A federal law introduced in 1876 to regulate Aboriginal affairs, which excluded Aboriginal participation in its formulation. It granted the government control over Aboriginal lands, social programs, and education. It also initially prohibited Aboriginal alcohol consumption.

A government policy introduced in 1969, which proposed abolishing the Indian Act and assimilating Aboriginal people into mainstream society. However, faced with strong opposition from Aboriginal leaders, the White Paper was abandoned in 1971.

Land claims related to specific grievances arising from treaties. These claims often focus on situations where the government failed to uphold its treaty obligations.

Land claims based on the continuous existence of Aboriginal title to land. Often claiming that land was never surrendered or ceded to the Crown.

The right of a state to govern itself without external interference. It plays a significant role in international law, but can also limit the effectiveness of international regulations.

The UN Security Council, composed of 15 member nations, can authorize the use of force to stop aggression, like in the Korean War, where North Korea attacked South Korea. The council's decisions can be controversial due to the powerful, permanent members.

A nation's right to defend itself from imminent threats, like physical attacks or potential harm to its territory. This can be tricky to define and has been debated in cases like Nicaragua vs. USA, where supplying rebels did not justify collective self-defense.

Deterrence theory suggests a country won't attack another because of the fear of retaliation, especially with nuclear weapons. This can be risky, relying on complex calculations and communication.

The use of force as a last resort in a conflict, where all other peaceful means have failed. It focuses on proportionality (using only the necessary force) and just cause (defending against an injustice or clear threat).

A strategy where a country discourages potential enemies from attacking by showing its preparedness and potential consequences. It can be a double-edged sword as miscommunication or miscalculations can lead to escalation or conflict.

A law passed in Quebec in 1977 aimed at protecting the French language and making it the official language of the province.

A legal tool used by the Canadian government to override certain sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It allows the government to pass laws that may violate Charter rights, but only for a limited time.

A 1980 referendum in Quebec where residents voted on whether the province should have more autonomy from Canada. While seeking more independence it still intended to maintain economic association with Canada.

The Canadian Constitution, adopted in 1982, was a major event in Canadian history. It formalized the country's rights and freedoms and established a new system of government. However, the way it was implemented angered some in Quebec.

A 1995 referendum in Quebec where residents voted on whether the province should separate from Canada. The vote was close, with separatists losing by a narrow margin.

A federal law passed in 1999 to establish clear rules for any future referendums on Quebec secession. This law aimed to ensure that any future referendum question was clear and that the results showed a clear majority in favor of separation.

The historical agreements that have shaped the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Canadian government. These treaties often involved land rights, resource use, and other important aspects of Indigenous life.

A legal principle that recognizes the inherent rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This principle helps to guide how the Canadian government interacts with Indigenous communities.

An international organization formed after WWI to prevent future wars through diplomacy and collective security.

The League of Nations was unsuccessful due to several factors, including a lack of enforcement power, the absence of major powers like the U.S., and the unwillingness of nations to surrender sovereignty.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the main judicial organ of the UN, composed of 15 judges representing different legal systems. It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.

The ICJ's jurisdiction is limited to legal disputes between states that have consented to its jurisdiction, usually through treaties.

The ICJ can hear cases related to territorial sovereignty, treaty disputes, and other legal issues between states.

The UN faces challenges in achieving consensus among its members, enforcing its decisions, and addressing complex global issues like climate change and poverty.

A world government would be a single, centralized authority with the power to make and enforce laws globally. This contrasts with the UN, which is a forum for intergovernmental cooperation with limited power.

A world government would face challenges in balancing the interests of different nations, respecting their sovereignty, and preventing abuses of power.