Canada's Constitutional Documents

An essay using the Canada in the Making site

Student Guide

The history of the written Canadian Constitution is a process that could be described as an evolution. Sometimes dramatic events have spurred changes in legislation, which have in turn shaped future events. Ultimately, this led to the Constitution that Canadians enjoy today. This activity will give you the opportunity to analyze one major constitutional document and the events surrounding it. In doing so you will examine primary sources (historical documents) and draw conclusions from evidence. You will write an essay and may be asked to prepare a presentation of your findings.

You will need to choose one of the documents below and conduct research using the following documents available through the Canada in the Making site or other sites:

For each of these documents, you will need to research and present information on all of the following, as applicable:

The major issue or events addressed by the document.
What events led to this document? Briefly describe them. (For example, did the drafters intend to establish the rule of law over a captured territory or did they seek to unify the British North American provinces into one nation?)
Where does it fit in the movement toward the democracy we have now?
The general evolution of Canadian democracy has gone as follows:
- Conquest, military rule
- Government by governor and select few
- Elected assemblies created
- Development of the "Family Compact" and "Château Clique"
- Responsible government won
- Confederation; division of power into federal and provincial spheres
- Gradual movement to autonomy from Britain
- Patriation of the Canadian Constitution and the creation of the
  Canadian Charter of Rights
In addition, there have been two forces acting in the Canadian federal system:
- A push to greater power for central government
- A push for greater power in the provinces
For documents that were written in 1867 and after, comment on whether the document and events leading to it favoured provincial power, federal power, or neither.

"
How did this document affect the status of Lower Canada/Canada East/Québec and the rights of French Canadians in Canada?
Was there anything that might offend certain parts of the country in this document? Note what they are, and why they would be offensive.
What do you think was the effect of the document for
- Canadian unity?
- Aboriginal rights?
- Individual rights?

Essay Requirements

The paper should be _____________ words long. It should contain:

A title page with a title, your name, the course name, your teacher's name and the date submitted.
A clear introduction with a thesis statement.
Proper citation (footnotes/endnotes or APA/MLA style, as determined by your teacher).
A bibliography.

Make an effort to use primary sources to support your arguments. These can be found on the Canada in the Making Web site.

Note on Sources

Primary sources
Primary sources represent the most authentic resources that historians can draw upon. The documents that you will be using below may be digitized, but are still considered primary sources. Try to use the sources available on the "Canada's Constitutional History" portion of the Canada in the Making Web site to strengthen your arguments.

For tips on how to use primary sources, go to the "Using Primary Sources in Your Work" page.
URL: http://www.canadian.org/citm/guide/essay_e.html

Secondary sources
Secondary sources are works that interpret or analyze an historical event or phenomenon. Generally the author is at least one step removed from the event. Although not as authentic as primary sources, secondary sources are still valuable.

Possible Sources of Information Online

Note: It is important to choose sources that are produced by reputable institutions or individuals. Such information is more likely to give you a balanced, neutral view and be prepared or reviewed by experts.

The Written and Unwritten Constitution

Canada in the Making: The Written and Unwritten Constitution
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/citm/specifique/written/written_e.html

Representative Government

Canada in the Making: Representative Government
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/citm/specifique/representatif/representatif_e.html

Responsible Government

Canada in the Making: Responsible Government
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/citm/specifique/responsable/responsable_e.html

General

Canada in the Making: Canada's Constitutional History
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/citm/themes/constitution1_e.html

The Canadian Encyclopedia
URL: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com

National Archives of Canada: Canada's Constitutional Evolution
URL: http://www.archives.ca/05/051103_f.html (French)
URL: http://www.archives.ca/05/051103_e.html (English)

Solon Law Archives: Canadian Constitutional Documents
URL: http://www.solon.org/Constitutions/Canada/