key term - Government by consent

Definition

Government by consent is the principle that a government's legitimacy and authority are derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that citizens have a say in how they are ruled and what laws they follow. This idea is deeply rooted in democratic theory and emphasizes the importance of popular sovereignty, where the authority of the government is granted through the will of the people. In the context of significant historical documents like the Quebec Act and the Constitutional Act, this principle underlines the shift towards a more representative and accountable form of governance in Canada.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Quebec Act of 1774 was significant because it recognized the rights of French Canadians and allowed for local governance, aligning with the principles of government by consent.
2. The Constitutional Act of 1791 established legislative assemblies in Upper and Lower Canada, providing a framework for representative governance that depended on citizen input.
3. Government by consent marked a transition from autocratic rule to a system where colonial leaders had to consider the opinions and needs of their constituents.
4. This principle was a response to colonial dissatisfaction with British rule, prompting calls for greater autonomy and self-governance.
5. The concept influenced subsequent political movements in Canada, including demands for responsible government in the 1830s and 1840s.

Review Questions

• How did the Quebec Act illustrate the principle of government by consent in its governance structure?
  • The Quebec Act illustrated government by consent by recognizing the unique cultural rights of French Canadians and allowing them to maintain their legal systems and practices. This respect for local customs represented a form of governance that considered the needs and preferences of the people living in Quebec, thereby granting them a degree of autonomy and acknowledging their role in legitimizing governmental authority.
• In what ways did the Constitutional Act of 1791 enhance government by consent within Canada?
  • The Constitutional Act of 1791 enhanced government by consent by establishing elected legislative assemblies for both Upper and Lower Canada. This development allowed citizens to have a voice in their governance through elected representatives, which created a more accountable political system. By incorporating popular participation into decision-making processes, this act aligned with democratic principles that emphasized the necessity for governments to act with the consent of those they govern.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of government by consent as established through key legislative acts like the Quebec Act and the Constitutional Act on Canadian political development.
  • The establishment of government by consent through acts like the Quebec Act and the Constitutional Act had profound long-term implications for Canadian political development. These acts laid foundational principles for responsible government, leading to increased demands for representative democracy in later years. As political awareness grew among citizens, these principles became pivotal in shaping modern Canadian governance structures, including federalism and provincial autonomy, creating a dynamic political landscape where citizen engagement continues to be essential.

Related terms

Popular Sovereignty: The doctrine that political power resides with the people, who have the right to create, alter, or abolish their government.

Constitutionalism: The practice of limited government defined by a constitution that outlines the rights of individuals and the limits of government power.

Representative Democracy: A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.