History of Canada – Before 1867

4.2 The Rise of Responsible Government

Citation:

The rise of responsible government marked a crucial shift in Canada's political landscape. It transformed the power dynamics from British-appointed officials to locally elected representatives, laying the groundwork for Canadian self-governance and parliamentary democracy.

This change was driven by colonial unrest, economic factors, and influential reformers. The Durham Report and rebellions of 1837-1838 catalyzed the push for responsible government, which was gradually implemented across British North America, reshaping Canadian politics.

Responsible Government: Concept and Significance

Definition and Core Principles

Responsible government system where executive branch (cabinet) accountable to elected legislature, not monarch or governor
Ministerial responsibility central principle ministers must maintain confidence of elected assembly
Marked shift from appointed colonial administrators to locally elected representatives controlling domestic affairs
Laid foundation for modern Canadian parliamentary system and federal structure

Historical Context and Evolution

Emerged in British North America as crucial step towards democratic self-governance and independence from direct British control
Key factor in evolution of Canada from collection of colonies to self-governing dominion within British Empire
Facilitated transition from colonial rule to local autonomy in domestic affairs
Represented significant milestone in development of Canadian political identity and institutions

Rise of Responsible Government in Canada

Catalysts for Change

Durham Report of 1839 recommended responsible government as solution to political unrest in colonies
Rebellions of 1837-1838 in Upper and Lower Canada highlighted need for political reform and greater colonial autonomy
Economic factors fueled push for responsible government desire for more control over fiscal policies and trade regulations
Growing influence of reform-minded politicians and journalists advocated for responsible government (Joseph Howe in Nova Scotia)

Implementation Process

Gradual relaxation of British colonial policy facilitated transition influenced by changing economic doctrines and costs of maintaining direct rule
Success of responsible government in Nova Scotia and Province of Canada (both 1848) set precedents for other British North American colonies
Act of Union 1840 united Upper and Lower Canada included provisions paving way for responsible government
Implementation occurred gradually across different colonies adapting to local conditions and political landscapes

Impact of Responsible Government on Power Balance

Shifting Power Dynamics

Power shifted from appointed governors to elected assemblies making executive accountable to people's representatives
Governor's role evolved from active administrator to more ceremonial figurehead real power vested in premier and cabinet
Collective ministerial responsibility emerged cabinet must act as unified body in legislature
Development of political parties became more pronounced organized to form and maintain governments under new system

Legislative Empowerment

Legislative branch gained significant control over financial matters including taxation and expenditure
Concept of "loyal opposition" formalized role of opposition parties in legislative process
More dynamic and responsive political system emerged capable of addressing local colonial needs and concerns
Increased accountability of government to electorate through regular elections and parliamentary debates

Key Figures and Movements in the Struggle for Responsible Government

Reformers and Advocates

Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine formed crucial political alliance championed responsible government in Province of Canada
Joseph Howe's leadership in Nova Scotia instrumental in achieving responsible government set example for other colonies
Francis Hincks and Augustin-Norbert Morin worked within system to gradually implement responsible government principles
Clear Grits in Canada West and Parti rouge in Canada East emerged as reform movements pushing for further democratic reforms

Influential Figures and Opposition

Lord Elgin as Governor General played pivotal role in implementing responsible government accepted principle of ministerial advice
William Lyon Mackenzie and Louis-Joseph Papineau leaders of 1837 rebellions indirectly contributed to push for responsible government through radical actions
Family Compact in Upper Canada and Château Clique in Lower Canada represented conservative forces resisting implementation of responsible government
Lord Durham authored influential report recommending responsible government as solution to colonial unrest

Key Terms to Review (22)

Joseph Howe: Joseph Howe was a prominent Canadian politician, journalist, and advocate for responsible government in Nova Scotia during the 19th century. He played a crucial role in pushing for political reform and the establishment of responsible government, which emphasized accountability of the executive to the elected legislature, significantly shaping the political landscape in Canada.

Ministerial responsibility: Ministerial responsibility is a constitutional convention in parliamentary systems whereby ministers are accountable to the legislature for their actions and the policies of their departments. This principle ensures that ministers must maintain the confidence of the elected assembly, leading to greater transparency and accountability in government operations.

Act of Union 1840: The Act of Union 1840 was legislation that united the two provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada into a single Province of Canada, effective from February 10, 1841. This act aimed to create a more stable and effective government while addressing the political deadlock that had emerged from tensions between French and English-speaking populations.

Rebellions of 1837-1838: The rebellions of 1837-1838 were a series of uprisings that took place in both Upper and Lower Canada, fueled by dissatisfaction with British colonial rule and demands for political reform. These revolts were driven by a desire for greater representation and responsible government, as many colonists felt marginalized by the existing political elite. The failures of these rebellions led to significant changes in governance, including the recommendations outlined in the Durham Report.

Durham Report: The Durham Report was a significant document written in 1839 by John George Lambton, the Earl of Durham, which aimed to address the political and social issues in British North America, specifically in Upper and Lower Canada. The report recommended the union of the two provinces and proposed a system of responsible government to address the growing tensions between the French and English populations and to mitigate the risk of rebellion. Its recommendations set the stage for major political changes in Canada.

Responsible Government: Responsible government is a political system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the elected legislature and is accountable to it. This concept was crucial in shaping the political landscape in Canada, as it marked a shift towards democratic governance and greater autonomy from colonial powers, ultimately influencing key historical events and the formation of the nation.

Legislative Assembly: A legislative assembly is a governing body responsible for making laws and representing the electorate within a specific jurisdiction. This body plays a crucial role in the development of responsible government by providing a platform for elected representatives to express the will of the people and hold the executive accountable.

Executive Council: The Executive Council is a key component of colonial governance in Canada, acting as an advisory body to the Governor and responsible for implementing government policies. It typically comprised appointed officials and served to bridge the gap between the appointed leadership and the elected assembly, reflecting the growing push for responsible government as political reforms evolved during the 19th century. This council's role became increasingly important as calls for greater accountability and representation emerged within colonial politics.

Parliamentary democracy: Parliamentary democracy is a form of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature or parliament. This system allows for a close relationship between the legislative and executive branches, promoting a government that is more responsive to the will of the people. In such a system, the head of government, typically called the Prime Minister, is elected from the legislative body and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

Elected legislature: An elected legislature is a governing body whose members are chosen through elections by the populace, granting citizens a direct role in political decision-making. This system aims to represent the views and needs of the people, contrasting with appointed bodies that may not reflect public sentiment. The emergence of elected legislatures marked a significant shift towards democratic governance and accountability in government practices.

Political accountability: Political accountability refers to the obligation of government officials and institutions to be answerable for their actions and decisions, particularly in relation to their constituents. It is a fundamental principle in democratic governance, ensuring that leaders are held responsible for their conduct and policies, and that they must justify their decisions to the public. This concept is key in understanding the emergence of responsible government, where the executive branch must maintain the confidence of the legislative assembly to remain in power.

Château clique: The château clique was a group of wealthy and influential elites in Lower Canada during the early 19th century, primarily composed of English-speaking merchants and colonial officials. This powerful faction held significant political and economic sway, often favoring British interests while sidelining the French-speaking population. Their dominance was characterized by a resistance to democratic reforms and a preference for maintaining control over the colonial administration, which played a key role in the growing discontent that led to significant political upheaval.

Family Compact: The Family Compact was an elite group of loyalists and wealthy individuals who dominated the political landscape of Upper Canada in the early 19th century. This group held significant influence over the government and sought to maintain their power and privileges, often resisting democratic reforms and the demands of the growing population of settlers and reformers. Their actions contributed to tensions that eventually played a role in the push for responsible government and the subsequent rebellions.

Louis-Joseph Papineau: Louis-Joseph Papineau was a prominent Canadian politician and leader of the Patriote movement in Lower Canada during the 19th century. He played a crucial role in advocating for political reform and responsible government, and he was a key figure in the Rebellions of 1837-1838, pushing for greater autonomy and rights for the French-speaking population.

Governor General: The Governor General is the representative of the monarch in a specific country or territory, primarily in Canada during the colonial and early post-colonial period. This role involves executing various ceremonial duties and overseeing the administration of government while acting on the advice of the elected officials, which played a critical role in the movement towards responsible government.

William Lyon Mackenzie: William Lyon Mackenzie was a Canadian journalist, politician, and leader of the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada against British colonial rule. He played a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms and responsible government, which aimed to address the grievances of the population regarding political corruption and lack of representation. Mackenzie's actions and writings significantly influenced the movement for change in Canada during this period.

Augustin-Norbert Morin: Augustin-Norbert Morin was a prominent Canadian politician and a key figure in the movement towards responsible government in the provinces of Canada East and Canada West during the mid-19th century. He was an advocate for political reform, emphasizing the need for accountable governance and the expansion of civil liberties, which were crucial as Canada navigated its colonial status and aimed for greater autonomy from British rule.

Parti rouge: The parti rouge, or Red Party, was a political party in Canada that emerged in the 1840s, advocating for democratic reforms and responsible government. This party represented the interests of reform-minded Canadians, pushing for changes such as expanded voting rights and the end of colonial rule by Britain. Its formation marked a significant shift towards political engagement and mobilization among the populace, ultimately influencing the development of governance in Canada.

Clear Grits: Clear Grits were a political faction in Canada during the 19th century that advocated for reform and responsible government, emphasizing democratic principles and the need for accountability from elected officials. This group played a crucial role in shaping the push towards responsible government, particularly in the provinces of Canada West (Ontario) and Canada East (Quebec), reflecting a broader desire for change in governance.

Robert Baldwin: Robert Baldwin was a prominent Canadian politician and lawyer, known for his role in the development of responsible government in Upper Canada during the early 19th century. He is best recognized for advocating for constitutional reforms that increased the power of elected representatives, ultimately leading to a more democratic governance system.

Francis Hincks: Francis Hincks was a Canadian politician and businessman who played a significant role in the movement towards responsible government in Canada during the mid-19th century. He served as the Premier of the Province of Canada and was an influential figure in the political landscape, advocating for reforms that aligned governance more closely with public opinion and parliamentary accountability.

Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine: Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine was a prominent Canadian politician and lawyer who played a critical role in the movement for responsible government in the Province of Canada during the 19th century. He is best known for his efforts to advocate for the rights of French Canadians and to bridge the gap between English and French-speaking populations, significantly impacting Canadian political development.

Table of Contents

🍁history of canada – before 1867 review