Get to choose from 6 suggested topics

    A Traditional Research Paper of no more than 1500 words (not including title page and references/bibliography)

    TOPICS:
    1. It has been said that “The twin pillars of the Canadian political system are parliamentary government and federalism.” Describe each briefly; discuss some of the main features of a political system that combines the two, as Canada does, in a parliamentary federation; and make an argument about the ability of such a system to respond to changing societal needs and expectations.

    2) Does the institution of “the crown” strengthen or undermine Canadian democracy? [In developing your argument, you must distinguish between the “crown” and the “monarchy” and must discuss the role of the crown in the Canadian system of responsible, party-based, executive-dominated, parliamentary government.]

    3)Compare and contrast the ability of Québec to influence the national agenda with that of one of: the Atlantic Provinces, Ontario, the West, or the North. Based on this examination, what can be concluded about regional power and influence?
    [In developing your argument, you must identify the long term goals of Québec and the region you select for examination; discuss the methods chosen by each to reach their goals and the barriers they have encountered in trying to achieve their goals; and assess the effectiveness of the methods chosen.]

    4) Justin Trudeau removed Liberal Party Senators from the Liberal Party caucus, and is now in the process of implementing a very different way of filling Senate vacancies. Will the changes produce a Senate that is less “partisan,” more effective, and more respected by Canadians? [In developing your argument, explain the past practice, the changes proposed (and partially implemented), and the goal of the changes.]

    5)Has the substance of constitutional change evolved from the passage of the Constitution Act, 1982 through the amendments proposed by the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, the Calgary Declaration, and the Clarity Act? What does this suggest about the evolution of Canadian democracy over this period and for the future? [You must highlight the content goals that remained constant through each amendment attempt, the goals that shifted or evolved, and develop an argument about the likelihood of successful constitutional amendment in the future.]

    6)The platform of Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada included a pledge that the 2015 General Election would be the last to use the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system. The platform did not propose a replacement system. (Answer ONE of the following questions)
    –>For a replacement system to enjoy legitimacy in the eyes of Canadians, who must approve the replacement system? Why? How?
    [Note: your argument here should not be about the merits of any particular system, but rather about how such change — any change — is made.]
    –>What are the implications for responsible, parliamentary government in abandoning the FPTP system?
    [Note: In developing your argument here, you must demonstrate understanding of how an electoral system and a system of government are related and interdependent.]

    7)Have Canadian judges moved from their traditional role of interpreting law into the realm of making law? [Bolster your argument by referring to specific cases, but be sure to also address the role of the judicial branch of government, concepts of judicial activism and judicial restraint, notions of individual rights, and the role of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.]

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