Listening to the People Moving Toward Responsible Government and Confederation in Canada

Representative government elected members of the government represented (or stood for) the opinions of the people in the colony. Members selected by the elite and the King or Queen of Britain.

Canada’s Gov’t Before 1837 In the mid-1830s, the head of government in Canada was either a governor or lieutenant-governor, who had the final say in all important matters. This person was chosen by the British government. Their job was to make sure things in the colonies of Canada were going best for Britian.

Legislative and Executive Councils Those appointed were always: males of British heritage, belonged to the Church of England and elite. They were chosen because they were the most loyal to Britain and would benefit the most in the colonies continued to serve Britain’s interests.

The Legislative Assembly Those appointed were: professional, usually wealthy men; but not always elite. The Assembly would often suggest bills that were meant to help all people instead of just the elite. The Legislative Assembly would usually “veto” these kind of bills because they did not benefit the elite. Could be dissolved at any time if it did not approve what the government wanted.

Definitions Veto: To have the final say in a matter and say “no.” A bill is an idea for a law.

Voters Who could vote in Canada? Males over 21 British citizens Landowners, or rent payers for a year-round home.

Democracy The power is with the people because they elect government members by voting. If the government doesn’t please the people, it can be replaced in the next election. The more people that can vote in a society, the more democratic the system.

In YOUR Opinion. . . . Very, somewhat, or not at all? How democratic were representative colonial governments? Very, somewhat, or not at all? In point form, write down your opinion and the reasons for it. Be sure to consider which groups were politically empowered and which were not.

The Rebellions: Issues in Lower Canada Reformers = Parti Patriote (French); worried about the effects recent British immigration would have on their colony. French Canadians concerned about their language and culture being lost under British control. Farmers were concerned new settlers would take up more land, leaving none for their children. Poor harvest = starvation. Cholera – a deadly intestinal disease brought by recent immigrants. Not enough government help.

The Rebellions: Issues in Upper Canada Main issue was how government money was spent. Only the wealthy seemed to be benefitting, yet everyone had to pay taxes. Elite got the biggest, best land, as well as the church. Many farmers and their families were facing starvation.

Biography Choose either Louis Joseph-Papineau – leader of the Parti Patriote, or William Lyon Mackenzie – leader of the Reformers in Upper Canada, and create a brief biography on them. Please try and do some additional research other than what you find in your textbook (if you have time).