REGIONAL CONSTITUTION

Confederation did not occur over night. It took numerous years, with countless people
advocating and debating over what the country should look like. Finally, after much debate, in
1867, the British North America Act (later the Canadian Constitution Act) was signed,
signalling the birth of the Dominion of Canada.

Throughout the first phase, we will be discussing the creation of Canada and the contents of the
BNA Act. To build upon your knowledge you and your group will develop and write your own
REGIONAL CONSTITUTION that focuses on the following:

1. A preamble starting with We the people ofthat gives the purposes of and introduces
your Constitution.

2. Bill of Rights modeled after the real Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms come
up with five-seven basic rights that you feel someone is entitled to as a resident of your
region. These can be real or imaginary, but they should reflect your opinions on what
freedoms you should be allowed.

3. Three articles outlining your regional system of government, modeled after the
Executive, Legislative and Judiciary Branches of the Canadian government:
a. The Legislature What are the qualifications needed to be an officer in each part
of the government and how is a Minister chosen? (There are four Minister roles)
b. The Executive who is the Prime Minister of your region, and what are his/her
duties? (Remember that this is a revolving position) What will happen if there are
questions or problems with the laws or their enforcement?
c. The Judiciary Who will make the laws for the country? How will the laws be
made? Who will be in charge of carrying out the laws of the country? How will
the new government protect the citizens of the country?

Success Criteria:
I can identify the impact a constitutional document has on the people being governed
I can explain how the BNA Act improved life for people living in British North America
I can identify the levels of Canadian government within the BNA Act