Nationalism and federalism

Nationalism

Nation doesn’t objectively exist but nationalism does→ discourse about ^^creating a narrative^^, who is and isnt part of it, creating ^^us/them^^, ^^common past and often geographically located^^

Main 2 ways of seeing the nation : a) ^^Ethnic nationalism^^ (common blood, cultural background) b) ^^Civic/ ideological^^ (values bind us together)

Renan’s “legacy of memories”

“%%will to live together%%, will to pass down”, %%respecting + honouring + continuating a common past%%

Anderson’s “Imagined Communities”

Is $limited, sovereign and has boundaries$

Nation is an $invention from common past$/ heritage

can be re-imagined

is a $huge power$ (can kill for it)

Federalism

set of ideas about ==stricking a balance between together and difference==, is a ==state structure==

==Minimum criteria==: at least __2 levels of gov__, __constitutional design__ = __guaranteed autonomy__ for each level, dividing in national (unity) and subnational (geographically distinct or differenciated) levels

==More criteria== : __written constitution__, __fiscal autonomy__ (constitutional capacity to raise funds aka taxes), __independant judiciary__ (courts to decide which level does what), sometimes more __decentralization__ (how much? not clear)

Founding visions of Canada

Wether Dominion of Canada (Confederation of 1867) is __**a)**__ __**compact of 2 nations or b) compact of provinces**__

Constitutional amendment

1867: @@British north American Act@@ = amendable by UK parliament→ Uk can’t change unless asked to (no formal rule on how and when ask)

1927-80s: cant decide on formal rule wants a Charter

1982: @@patriation rule@@ (constituion now amendable by amending formula in which provinces have influence with no role for the UK-. associated with @@establishement of full sovereignty@@)

@@Part V of Constitution@@: @@General amendment rule@@ (7/50 aka min. 7 provinces = min 50% pop + Federal accord) = @@way to amend Constitution@@ → QC + ONT + any 5 others, QC + AB + BC if vs ONT…

@@Unanimity rule@@ = only way to change rules about rules (aka rules on how to amend for example 7/50 rule) = everyone gets a veto