Canadian Rights & Freedoms and the Constitution

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structure of Canada's written and unwritten constitution, historical milestones of constitutional autonomy, and key sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Constitution of Canada

The highest law in Canada that explains how the country is governed, sets the powers and limits of federal and provincial governments, and creates a stable, democratic system.

Total Constitution

The complete Canadian constitutional framework consisting of a mix of written rules (laws and court rulings) and unwritten rules (British traditions and practices).

Constitutional Conventions

Unwritten British traditions, practices, and customs that are followed in Canadian governance despite not being formally written into law.

Responsible Government

A foundational convention requiring the Prime Minister and Cabinet to maintain the support of the elected House of Commons and answer to the people's representatives.

British North America Act (1867)

The legislation that created Canada out of 4 provinces and divided powers between federal and provincial governments, while leaving foreign affairs and constitutional amendment under British control.

Statute of Westminster (1931)

A landmark British statute establishing that Canada had the authority to pass its own laws independently of Great Britain.

Constitution Act (1982)

The constitutional act that patriated the Constitution to give Canada full control, establishing the Amending Formula and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Amending Formula

The procedure established in 1982 requiring the agreement of at least $7$ provinces representing at least $50\%$ of the Canadian population to make changes to the Constitution.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to everyone in Canada and empowers the courts to strike down unfair laws.

Fundamental Freedoms

Charter protections guaranteeing freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression; freedom of the press and media; and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Democratic Rights

Charter protections guaranteeing Canadian citizens the right to vote and run for political office, as well as obligating governments to hold regular elections.

Mobility Rights

Charter protections guaranteeing the right of individuals to move, live, and work anywhere within Canada, and to enter and leave the country.

Legal Rights

Charter protections guaranteeing life, liberty, and personal security, freedom from unreasonable search or arrest, and the right to a fair and speedy trial.

Equality Rights

Charter protections providing that all individuals are equal before and under the law without discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other grounds.

Official Language Rights

Charter protections designating English and French as official languages of Canada and granting the right to use either language in federal courts and government institutions.

Minority Language Education Rights

Charter protections granting the right to receive primary and secondary schooling in English or French where it is the minority official language, provided numbers warrant.