THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT 1791 THE DEMANDS AND STRUGGLES

A NEW PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM In 1764, the British colonists started demanding the establishment of

THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT OF 1791 In 1791, London agreed to their demands and passed

THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF LOWER CANADA 1791 Now, for the first time, the population

LOWER AND UPPER CANADA 1791 Lower Canada Upper Canada • • • British colonists

THE RIGHT TO VOTE Must be a British subject Must be at least 21

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE (RIGHT TO VOTE) Since the Constitutional Act did not specify which sex

ASSIGNMENT Complete the hierarchy pyramid to indicate the positions of power within the newly

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THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT 1791 THE DEMANDS AND STRUGGLES OF NATIONHOOD

MAPPING EXERCISE 1783 1791

A NEW PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM In 1764, the British colonists started demanding the establishment of a legislative assembly. In 1784, Canadiens sent a petition to London to demand a Legislative assembly so that the people could participate in the exercise of power.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT OF 1791 In 1791, London agreed to their demands and passed the Constitutional Act. o The Constitutional Act divided the Province of Quebec into two parts: Lower Canada and Upper Canada. o It also brought about political changes with the implementation of the parliamentary system.

THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF LOWER CANADA 1791 Now, for the first time, the population elected members to represent them in the Legislative Assembly.

LOWER AND UPPER CANADA 1791 Lower Canada Upper Canada • • • British colonists and Anglophones in the majority • Protestant majority • British civil and criminal code • Townships • Legislative Assembly composted primarily of members of British origin. French Catholic in the majority British Protestant minority French civil law, British criminal code Seigneurial system and townships Legislative Assembly composed mainly of Canadiens

THE RIGHT TO VOTE Must be a British subject Must be at least 21 years old Must be a landowner, that is, to work a house or land OR be a tenant having paid a year’s rent of a minimum amount of 10 pounds sterling, the currency of Great Britain.

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE (RIGHT TO VOTE) Since the Constitutional Act did not specify which sex a voter must be, women who met the eligibility requirements had as much right to vote as men. o In Lower Canada’s Legislative Assembly believed that a woman’s job was to look after her family. o Women we not land owners, so it was only widowed women who could vote o In 1849 the exclusion became official. o Women were not allowed to vote in federal elections until 1917 and in Quebec provincial elections until 1940!

ASSIGNMENT Complete the hierarchy pyramid to indicate the positions of power within the newly created parliamentary system. Refer to pages 9 and 11 of your textbook to help you. HOMEWORK- Parliamentary system fill in the blank worksheet.