Canadian Nationalism and Democracy Quiz

Learning Reflection

• Students are asked to reflect on their learning
• Students should focus on the main idea, not just repeat the text

The Hip and Ambiguities of Canadian Nationalism and National Identity

• The Hip is a Canadian band
• The band's music may be viewed as a reflection of Canadian culture

The Character of Canadian Democracy

• Canadian democracy is characterized by a parliamentary system
• Canada is a federal system
• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a central part of the Canadian legal system

Parliamentary System In Canada

• The Canadian Parliament has two houses: The House of Commons and The Senate
• The House of Commons is elected, The Senate is appointed
• The leader of the party that wins the most ridings in the House of Commons usually becomes Prime Minister
• There are 338 ridings contested in each federal election
• The parties that participate in federal elections are the Liberals, the Conservatives, the NDP, the Greens, the Bloc Quebecois, and the People’s Party of Canada

Provincial Representation

• The number of seats allocated to each province depends on the province's population
• The province with the most seats is Ontario with 121 seats
• Newfoundland and Labrador has the least number of seats with 6

Making a Law

• Canadian laws are passed by the federal government in the House of Commons
• The law must pass through several stages:
  • First reading
  • Second Reading
  • Committee stage
  • Report stage
  • Third Reading
• The same procedure must occur in the Senate
• The Governor-General must approve the law

Federalism

• Federalism in Canada means that power is divided between the federal level and the provincial level
• The federal government in Ottawa holds authority over specific areas
• The provincial governments hold authority over specific areas
• The federal government has authority in currency, national defense, international relations, and criminal law
• The provincial governments have authority over education, health care, civil law, natural resources within the province, and alcohol

The Constitution

• The Canadian Constitution is not a single document, but a collection of documents including:
  • The British North America Act (1867)
  • The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)
  • Semi-constitutional laws (OFL, multiculturalism)
  • Older imperial proclamations
  • Traditions and practices
• The Constitution outlines the powers of the federal and provincial governments

Rights In Canada

• The Charter is a key source for rights in Canada

Limits of Rights

• The Charter has limits on individual rights
• The federal government can use the “Notwithstanding” clause to circumvent some of the Charter
• Freedom of speech, which is a recognized right, has limits
• Rights are not absolute; they can be limited if they infringe on the rights of others or threaten public safety
• The courts play a role in protecting rights

Judicial Review

• Judicial review is the process of reviewing legislation for its compatibility with the Charter
• The courts can strike down legislation, read in, or read out provisions
• Courts are able to review matters through references as well

Right vs Good

• There is a difference between rights and good.
• Rights are legal guarantees, while good encompasses things like love, fellowship, and meaningful work, that aren't explicitly guaranteed

How are Rights Protected

• Rights are protected through the judicial system
• The courts are used to adjudicate conflicts and disputes that involve individual rights

Does a Right Need to be Written Down

• Some rights are not explicitly stated in the Charter, but may be assumed to exist
• This is possible under a principle called "analogous grounds"
• If a right is consistent with the objectives of the Charter, it will be recognized by the courts

How to Determine If a Right is Being Used Correctly

• It is important to consider the purpose for which a right is being used
• Rights should be used in a way that advances what is good and just
• The use of rights to limit good, subvert justice, or create inequality, is considered unjust

Democracy In Crisis

• Democracy may be in crisis, but the reasons for this are not fully understood
• It's important to consider who believes that democracy is in crisis and why

Political Apathy

• Political apathy is a concern

Key Issues and Questions

• Freedom is a complex concept that deserves careful consideration
• The nature of politics is a complex and multifaceted issue that should be explored
• The supposed “crisis” of democracy and the reasons for it also deserves examination

Explore the intricacies of Canadian nationalism, the character of Canadian democracy, and the structure of the parliamentary system. Analyze the cultural reflections in the music of The Hip while understanding the functions of the Canadian government. This quiz will test your knowledge on these pivotal topics in Canadian history and politics.