Review of Chapters 8–12 from Engaging Canadian Politics

Vocabulary flashcards based on Chapters 8-12 of Engaging Canadian Politics, covering key concepts and definitions.

Patriation

Bringing the constitution home from Britain in 1982.

October Crisis (1970)

An event where armed forces were deployed in Quebec under the War Measures Act.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

A document added to the constitution that outlines the rights of Canadian citizens.

First Quebec Referendum (1980)

A vote that led Trudeau to promise constitutional renewal if the people voted NO.

Night of the Long Knives

A deal made with all premiers except Quebec’s, leading to Quebec's alienation.

April 17, 1982

The date when Canada became independent and patriated its constitution.

Section 1 (Limitations Clause)

Allows rights to be limited if reasonable in a free and democratic society.

Section 33 (Notwithstanding Clause)

Lets Parliament/provinces override certain Charter sections for 5 years.

Oakes Test

A legal test to determine if a limitation on a Charter right is justified.

Judicial Activism

The practice of courts making decisions that have political effects.

Section 35

Recognizes treaty rights, Aboriginal rights, and title in the Canadian Constitution.

Treaty rights

Rights based on historic treaties involving Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal rights

Rights related to traditional practices, such as fishing.

Self-Government

A major goal for Aboriginal groups, often feared by non-Indigenous governments.

Meech Lake Accord (1987)

An attempt to recognize Quebec as a distinct society that ultimately failed.

Charlottetown Accord (1992)

A broader reform effort including Indigenous rights that was rejected in a referendum.

Second Quebec Referendum (1995)

A referendum where 49.4% voted “Yes” for Quebec's independence.

Clarity Act (2000)

Legislation that set rules for future referenda regarding Quebec's sovereignty.

Democratic Deficit

A situation characterized by low trust, low voter turnout, and low civic engagement.

Post-materialism

A focus among young people on issues like climate and equity rather than traditional politics.

Life Cycle Effect

The phenomenon where people engage more with politics as they age.

Cohort Effect

The values shaped by the time period in which a generation grows up.

Soft Despotism

A condition where citizen disengagement allows elites to dominate politics.

Trudeau’s Resignation (2025)

A significant political event that may relate to party politics.

Federal-Provincial Coordination

Collaboration between different levels of government, such as during tariffs discussions.

Housing Crisis

Current socioeconomic challenges related to housing affordability in Canada.

Inflation

The increase in prices, contributing to economic challenges in Canada.

Healthcare System Strains

Challenges faced by Canada’s healthcare system under current pressures.

Amending Formula

The process by which changes can be made to the Canadian Constitution.

Bilingualism

Recognition of both English and French as official languages in Canada.

Liberalism vs. Democracy

The balance between individual rights and collective governance principles.

Courts vs. Parliament

The tension between judicial review and legislative authority in governance.

Constitutional Reform

Efforts to change the Constitution which face significant obstacles in Canada.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships among people that enable society to function effectively.

Civic Engagement

Active participation of citizens in political and social activities.

Constitution Act of 1982

Legislation that patriated the Constitution and added the Charter of Rights.

Consensus in Constitutional Amendments

The necessary agreement among provinces required to amend the Constitution.

Quebec Alienation

The feeling of exclusion experienced by Quebec after the Patriation process.

Executive Federalism

The way federal and provincial governments work together in dealing with national issues.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections.

Electoral Reform

Changes intended to improve the electoral system to enhance participation.