Constitutional Act of 1791 facts for kids
|
|
| Long title | An Act to repeal certain Parts of an Act, passed in the fourteenth Year of his Majesty's Reign, intituled, An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America; and to make further Provision for the Government of the said Province. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 31 Geo 3 c 31 |
The Constitution Act of 1791 was an important law made by the British Parliament. It was signed by King George III. This law changed how the British colony of Quebec was governed. It was created because many people, especially Loyalists, wanted to have a say in their government.
Contents
What Was the Constitution Act of 1791?
This law was a big step for the British colonies in North America. It aimed to give people more control over their local affairs. Before this Act, the colony of Quebec was run mostly by a governor and a council. Many settlers felt they didn't have enough say.
Why Was This Act Needed?
After the American Revolution, many people who supported the British King, called Loyalists, moved to Quebec. These Loyalists were used to having elected representatives in their old colonies. They wanted the same rights in Quebec. They asked the British government for a system where they could elect people to speak for them.
Splitting Quebec: Upper and Lower Canada
To meet these demands, the Constitution Act of 1791 split the large colony of Quebec into two new parts. These were called Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
- Upper Canada was mostly west of the Ottawa River. Many English-speaking Loyalists settled here. Today, this area is known as Ontario.
- Lower Canada was along the St. Lawrence River. Most of the people here were French-speaking. Today, this area is known as Quebec.
New Governments, Limited Power
Each new province, Upper Canada and Lower Canada, got its own government. This government included a governor, a council, and an elected assembly. People could vote for members of the assembly. This meant they had representatives who could tell the government what the people wanted. However, these elected assemblies did not have full power. The governor and the British Parliament still had the final say. This was a step towards self-government, but not complete independence.
What Happened Next?
The Constitution Act of 1791 shaped the future of Canada. It created two distinct regions, each with its own culture and laws. This setup lasted for about 50 years. It helped set the stage for how Canada would eventually become its own country.
Images for kids
-
The two Canadas after the enactment of this Act.
