Untitled Flashcards Set

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is shared between one national (federal) government and smaller regional governments.

What is the Goal of Federalism?

To keep Canada united while allowing parties to make their own decisions on local matters.

How does Federalism Work?

There are different types/models of federalism including Dual Federalism, Executive Federalism, Asymmetrical Federalism, Fiscal Federalism, and Cooperative Federalism.

What is Dual Federalism?

Federal & Provincial Governments operate independently in their respective areas.

What is Executive Federalism?

Intergovernmental negotiations between leaders only, excluding the public and legislatures.

What is Asymmetrical Federalism?

Some provinces have unique powers; for example, Quebec has more control over immigration and language laws.

What is Fiscal Federalism?

The sharing of financial responsibilities and resources between federal and provincial governments.

What is Cooperative Federalism?

Federal and Provincial governments collaborate on shared issues like healthcare and infrastructure.

Why did Canada Choose Federalism?

For reasons such as Defense Concerns, Economic Reasons, Political Instability, Geographic Reasons, Colonial History, and Diversity Reasons.

What were Defense Concerns?

Threats from the US and internal conflicts necessitated a strong national government.

What are Economic Reasons for Federalism?

A centralized government ensures a unified trade system across provinces.

What does Political Instability refer to in the context of Federalism?

Political deadlock in provinces of Canada made a federal system necessary.

What are Geographic Reasons for Federalism?

Canada's large size requires local governance for each province.

What was the Colonial History's influence on Federalism?

Britain's control over French territories required blending different legal and political systems.

What are Diversity Reasons for Federalism?

Different languages and cultures needed autonomy, e.g., French and English.

What is Evolving Federalism?

The concept where judicial review, Quebec's unique needs, and provincial control change federalism over time.

What problems does Federalism solve?

Balances local and international interests, reduces economic gaps, prevents concentration of power, protects policy testing, and resolves legal disputes.

How does Federalism balance local and international interests?

Provinces can make local decisions while Canada remains united.

How does Federalism reduce economic gaps?

Richer provinces support poorer ones through federal funding.

What does Federalism do to prevent too much power in one place?

It spreads power to avoid dictatorship.

How does Federalism protect policy testing?

It allows provinces to try new ideas and policies.

What legal disputes does Federalism resolve?

Courts determine power when responsibilities are unclear.

What problems does Federalism create?

Quebec's separatism, arguments over control, unequal wealth, and slow decision-making.

What is an example of Quebec's separatism?

Feelings of alienation in western provinces.

What is a problem regarding control in Federalism?

Arguments over the division of responsibilities between governments.

What issue arises from unequal wealth in Federalism?

Richer provinces resist sharing resources with poorer provinces.

What causes slow decisions in Federalism?

The necessity for governments to negotiate among themselves.

What is the origin of Canadian Federalism?

The BNA Act of 1867 created Canada's federal system as a compromise.

What influenced Canada’s Federalism?

Britain's Parliamentary System and the US Federal system.

What powers does the Federal government have?

Defense, trade, banks, indigenous affairs, criminal law.

What powers does the Provincial government have?

Healthcare, education, natural resources, property and civil rights.

What are shared powers in Federalism?

Agriculture and immigration fall under shared powers.

Why choose Federation over Confederation?

A Federation provides a strong national government needed for defense.

What are objections to Federalism?

It may create a divided system and increase government costs.

What is the difference between Federation and Federalism?

Federation refers to a country with a shared system of government; Federalism refers to the principle of dividing power between levels of government.

What does Federalism allow for in governance?

A division of power between central and regional governments.