72 Resolutions

Definition

The 72 Resolutions were a series of proposals developed during the Quebec Conference in 1864 aimed at addressing the political deadlock in Canada and laying the groundwork for Canadian Confederation. These resolutions outlined key principles for uniting the British North American provinces, including responsible government, representation by population, and the division of powers between federal and provincial governments. They played a crucial role in shaping the discussions and negotiations that ultimately led to the creation of Canada in 1867.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 72 Resolutions were proposed by John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, and other leaders during the Quebec Conference as a solution to the deadlock in governance faced by the provinces.
2. The resolutions emphasized a federal structure with a clear division of powers between provincial and federal governments, which would allow for greater local autonomy.
3. They called for representation by population in the House of Commons, ensuring that the political representation was based on the population size of each region.
4. The resolutions also sought to create a system of responsible government, ensuring that elected representatives held power and accountability over the administration.
5. Ultimately, these resolutions laid the foundation for the British North America Act of 1867, which formally established Canada as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire.

Review Questions

• How did the 72 Resolutions address the political challenges faced by British North American provinces before Confederation?
  • The 72 Resolutions were crafted to resolve the political deadlock that hindered effective governance in British North America. They proposed a federal structure that would balance power between provincial and federal governments while ensuring representation by population in decision-making processes. This structure aimed to provide localized governance, allowing provinces to manage their affairs more effectively while fostering cooperation among them under a unified government.
• Discuss how the principles outlined in the 72 Resolutions influenced the drafting of the British North America Act of 1867.
  • The principles embedded in the 72 Resolutions significantly shaped the drafting of the British North America Act of 1867 by establishing key tenets such as responsible government and a federal system with distinct powers for provinces and federal authorities. The Act reflected these ideas by creating a parliamentary system where elected officials would hold accountability to their constituents. Additionally, representation by population became a fundamental aspect of the new House of Commons, ensuring that provinces had fair representation based on their populations.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the 72 Resolutions on Canada's political landscape and its evolution as a nation.
  • The long-term impact of the 72 Resolutions on Canada's political landscape has been profound and far-reaching. By laying the groundwork for a federal structure that balanced power between provincial and national levels, these resolutions helped cultivate a political culture centered around cooperation and negotiation. This framework allowed for regional diversity while promoting unity within Canada. Over time, this has facilitated constitutional adaptations and amendments that have responded to changing needs within Canadian society, illustrating how foundational ideas can evolve while maintaining their core principles in shaping national identity.

Related terms

Quebec Conference: A pivotal meeting held in October 1864 where leaders from various provinces gathered to discuss the possibility of Confederation and draft the 72 Resolutions.

Confederation: The union of the British North American colonies into a single Dominion, officially established on July 1, 1867, with Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia as its founding provinces.

Responsible Government: A political system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature, rather than to a monarch or external authority.