Law: Its Purpose and History

1.5 and 1.7

What laid the groundwork for modern legal systems in Canada?

The Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights.

What rights were recognized by moral thinkers by the end of the seventeenth century?

Rights to life, liberty, and security.

What event did the U.S. Declaration of Independence stem from?

The American Revolution, which began in 1775.

What significant document was passed by the National Assembly during the French Revolution?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, passed on August 26, 1789.

What was formed by world leaders in 1945 after World War II?

The United Nations (UN) was formed to guarantee rights and freedoms for all people.

What is the first step in making or changing laws in Canada?

The proposed law is called a bill.

What are the three parts of the Canadian Parliament?

The House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General.

How many electoral districts, or ridings, is Canada divided into?

Canada is divided into 308 ridings.

Who is the head of the governing party in Canada?

The Prime Minister.

What roles do Cabinet ministers have in Canadian government?

They are the heads of government departments and ensure federal laws are carried out.