I.Historical Background 。 United Empire Loyalists During and after the American Revolution,people who remained loyal to the British Crown fled north,hoping to build a British North America in what would soon be known as Canada. United Empire Loyalists landing at the site of Saint John,New Brunswick, 1783
I. Historical Background • United Empire Loyalists During and after the American Revolution, people who remained loyal to the British Crown fled north, hoping to build a British North America in what would soon be known as Canada. United Empire Loyalists landing at the site of Saint John, New Brunswick, 1783
I.Historical Background Provincial governments Were persuaded to join into the Canadian "confederation"after special favors were granted.(eg.British Columbia) 。 Operate on the same model as the federal government. --Premier --Legislative assembly Manage the local economy,education and health systems
I. Historical Background Provincial governments • Were persuaded to join into the Canadian “confederation” after special favors were granted. (eg. British Columbia) • Operate on the same model as the federal government. -- Premier -- Legislative assembly • Manage the local economy, education and health systems
I.Historical Background Political aspirations Influenced by American ideas,eg.freedom of speech and freedom of information Different from the Americans: --"life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness"(the U.S.) -“peace,order and good government'”(Canada) The well-being and liberty of individuals must sometimes be sacrificed for the greater good of the community.(eg.the right to own and use guns;attempts to reconcile Quebec and the rest of Canada)
I. Historical Background Political aspirations • Influenced by American ideas, eg. freedom of speech and freedom of information • Different from the Americans: -- “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (the U.S.) -- “peace, order and good government” (Canada) • The well-being and liberty of individuals must sometimes be sacrificed for the greater good of the community. (eg. the right to own and use guns; attempts to reconcile Quebec and the rest of Canada)
II.Structures of Government Canada's Political Traditions British Parliamontary democracy Amarican Federalism 011800
II. Structures of Government Canada’s Political Traditions British Parliamentary democracy American Federalism
II.Structures of Government Features of Canadian political system 。A monarchy Official head of state--the Queen (represented by Governor General)playing a ceremonial role A federation of ten provinces and three territories First to combine federalism with parliamentary democracy
II. Structures of Government Features of Canadian political system • A monarchy Official head of state -- the Queen (represented by Governor General) playing a ceremonial role • A federation of ten provinces and three territories • First to combine federalism with parliamentary democracy