POLI 101 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Responsible Government, Representative Democracy, Collective Responsibility
Document Summary
Absolute monarchy- the crown hold both legislative and executive power, king and queen made laws and administered them. Separation of powers- john locke made the first argument, montestquieu claimed that the best way to avoid corruption and abuse of political power was to ensure that legislative and executive powers were assigned to separate individuals. Separation of powers can lead to friction and conflict between the two governing bodies. Upper canada- family compact a small clique of wealthy citizens who controlled political and economic life. Reformers wanted to break the power of the family compact even if the reformers won, governors were unwilling to cooperate in the implementation of the reform act. Durham report- colonial constitutions be amended so as to replace the principle of separation of powers by the principle of responsible government. Fundamental features of rg=executive responsible for its actions to a democratically elected legislative assembly.
