Constitution and Discord Review Activity

Constitution and Discord Review Activity

Topic: Constitutional Patriation & Charter of Rights (1980-1984)

Test your understanding of Canada's constitutional journey and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Part I: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What was René Lévesque's proposal of "sovereignty-association"?

2. The Kitchen Accord was negotiated between which officials?

3. The constitutional amending formula requires agreement from:

4. On what date did Queen Elizabeth II sign the Constitution Act?

5. Who replaced Pierre Trudeau as Liberal Party leader?

Part II: True or False

Determine whether each statement is true or false.

6. Quebec signed the Constitution Act in 1982.

7. The notwithstanding clause allows governments to opt out of some Charter provisions.

8. Before 1982, Canada could amend its Constitution without British approval.

9. Section 15 of the Charter guarantees equality rights.

10. Trudeau decided to retire from politics during a walk in snowy Ottawa streets.

Part III: Matching Charter Sections

Match each Charter section with its correct description. Click on items to select them.

11. Match the Charter sections with their rights:

Charter Sections:

Section 2
Section 6
Section 15
Section 23

Rights Descriptions:

Fundamental freedoms (religion, expression, assembly)
Mobility rights (live and work anywhere in Canada)
Equality rights (non-discrimination)
Minority language education rights

Part IV: Critical Thinking Questions

Answer the following questions in 4-6 sentences each. Use specific examples and consider multiple perspectives.

12. Analyze why Quebec refused to sign the Constitution Act of 1982. What were the long-term consequences of this decision for Canadian unity?

13. Evaluate the significance of the notwithstanding clause in the Charter. Is it a necessary compromise or a weakness in protecting rights?

14. Assess how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has changed the relationship between Canadian citizens and their government. Provide specific examples.

15. Compare Pierre Trudeau's vision for Canada with René Lévesque's vision for Quebec. How did these competing visions shape the constitutional crisis?