Flashcards for "The Constitution of Canada" PDF

Flashcards for “The Constitution of Canada” 1. Q: What is the Constitution of Canada? A: The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law that outlines the structure of government and the rights and freedoms of Canadians. 2. Q: When was the Constitution Act passed, and what did it do? A:...

Flashcards for “The Constitution of Canada” 1. Q: What is the Constitution of Canada? A: The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law that outlines the structure of government and the rights and freedoms of Canadians. 2. Q: When was the Constitution Act passed, and what did it do? A: The Constitution Act was passed in 1982, patriating Canada's Constitution from Britain and including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 3. Q: What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? A: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a part of the Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians, including freedom of speech, equality rights, and legal rights. 4. Q: What does the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North America Act) do? A: It created the federation of Canada and divided powers between the federal and provincial governments. 5. Q: How is the Canadian Constitution changed or amended? A: Amendments to the Constitution require approval by Parliament and at least seven provinces representing 50% of the population (the 7/50 rule), depending on the section being amended. Flashcards for “Levels of Government in Canada” 1. Q: What are the three levels of government in Canada? A: The three levels are Federal, Provincial (or Territorial), and Municipal. 2. Q: What is the responsibility of the federal government in Canada? A: The federal government is responsible for national matters such as defense, immigration, foreign policy, and criminal law. 3. Q: What is the responsibility of provincial governments in Canada? A: Provincial governments are responsible for areas like education, health care, transportation within the province, and natural resources. 4. Q: What is the role of municipal governments in Canada? A: Municipal governments handle local matters such as waste management, water supply, public transit, and local policing. 5. Q: Who represents the Queen at the federal and provincial levels in Canada? A: The Governor General represents the Queen at the federal  level, and Lieutenant Governors represent the Queen at the provincial level. 6. Q: What is the division of powers in the Canadian Constitution? A: Powers are divided between the federal and provincial governments under sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867. The Constitution of Canada The Constitution is the highest law in Canada. It sets the rules for how the country is run and protects the rights of all Canadians. The Constitution Act, 1982 is an important part of the Constitution. It gave Canada full control over its laws and added the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects rights like free speech and equality. The Constitution Act, 1867 (originally called the British North America Act) created Canada as a country and split power between the federal and provincial governments. Amending (changing) the Constitution is difficult and requires approval from both the federal government and most provinces. Levels of Government in Canada Federal Government: Handles big national issues like defense, immigration, and criminal law. Provincial Governments: Take care of things like schools, hospitals, and transportation within each province (for example, Alberta). Municipal Governments: Focus on local services like garbage collection, water, public transportation, and local police. The Governor General represents the Queen at the federal level, and Lieutenant Governors represent the Queen in each province.