Canada's Path to Confederation and Democracy
Grade 7 Social Studies Citizenship, Power, and Governance The Journey to Responsible Government
What is Democracy?
Think about your classroom rules Who decides what happens in your family? How should decisions be made in a country?
British North America in the 1800s
Colonies controlled by Britain Governors appointed by the Crown Limited self-government People had little say in decisions
The Colonial Government System
Governor General appointed by Britain Executive Council chosen by Governor Legislative Assembly elected by people Real power stayed with unelected officials
The Problem with Colonial Rule
'Taxation without representation is tyranny' - A principle that drove the American Revolution Canadians faced similar frustrations
Key Reformers: William Lyon Mackenzie
Newspaper publisher and politician Criticized the colonial government Led the Upper Canada Rebellion (1837) Wanted responsible government
Key Reformers: Louis-Joseph Papineau
Leader in Lower Canada (Quebec) Fought for French-Canadian rights Led the Lower Canada Rebellion (1837) Demanded democratic reforms
Rebellion Consequences Activity
In pairs, discuss: Why did the rebellions fail? What did they accomplish? How might you have solved these problems differently?
Lord Durham's Report (1839)
Investigated the rebellions Recommended responsible government Suggested uniting Upper and Lower Canada Controversial views on French Canadians
What is Responsible Government?
Government accountable to elected representatives Executive Council chosen from majority party If government loses confidence, it must resign People control government through elections
Before vs. After Responsible Government
{"left":"Governor chose his own advisors\nPeople had no real power\nDecisions made in Britain\nNo accountability to colonists","right":"Executive chosen from elected majority\nPeople control government through votes\nLocal decisions made locally\nGovernment must answer to the people"}
Joseph Howe: Champion of Responsible Government
Nova Scotia newspaper publisher Fought for press freedom Led peaceful campaign for reform Achieved responsible government in Nova Scotia (1848)
14 more slides available after you open the deck.
Download all 26 slides