The Six Basic Principles Of The Canadian Constitution

This great country known as Canada, is governed smoothly because of the agreements and rules that have been in place since the beginning of confederation. The Canadian Constitution is one example of these rules. The Canadian Constitution is not just one single documentation, it is a collaboration of documents that make up one enormous document (Dyck 261). The six basic principles of the constitution are: responsible government, federalism, judicial review, the rule of law, constitutional monarchy and democracy; which all helped to shape the Constitution and therefore Canada (Dyck 266).
Dyck defines responsible government as a “form of government in which the political executive must retain the confidence of the elected legislature and resign or call an election if and when it is defeated on a vote of non-confidence”(432). Essentially this means that the executive branch of government, which is the Prime Minister and his office/staff, along with the

cabinet, has to be accountable to the legislature. This is carried out to keep the responsible government honest and reliable. The Prime Minister and Cabinet retain their power and responsibilities only if they are supported by the House of Commons (Dyck 10).
Federalism is also one of the six principles of the Canadian Constitution.

Federalism is the principle that provincial and the federal government each have their own jurisdiction that they are responsible for (Dyck 289). Some examples would be, health care and education, which fall under the provincial government, whereas national defence and taxation, fall under the federal government (Dyck 291). Federalism ensures that all provinces and territories should be treated fairly and that the premiers of each province and territory work together with the federal government to communicate in all matters. 
 The next important principle of the Canadian Constitution is the judicial review. The judicial review is the power of the executive branch of government (Dyck 12). Essentially, the judicial review states that any law that the government makes, can be struck down by the Supreme Court if it violates the Canadian Constitution (Dyck 401). This is a prime example how the judicial review protects the rights of

Canadians.
The rule of law is more than just “rules,” it is what makes all Canadian citizens equal. Rule of law is defined as “the constitutional principle that all government action must be based on law and that governments and government officials must obey the law” (Dyck 432). The rule of law, is very important to the Canadian Constitution. It states that no-one is above the law, not the Prime Minster nor Chief Justice (Dyck 266).
The constitutional monarchy is the way our government technically works: our head of state is actually the queen. However, we have a constitution that makes sure she cannot interfere with Canada's affairs (Dyck 319). The Queen has a governor general who signs off for the Queen, giving approval for a bill (Dyck 318).
Democracy is also apart of the principles of the Canadian Constitution. Second to the Charter Rights and freedoms, democracy is just as important (Dyck 134). Democracy is one of the most valuable rights of the country. Democracy is important because it gives all Canadian citizens over the age of eighteen a say in whom shall be the representatives for our country through formal elections (Dyck 271). 
 In conclusion these six different aspects of principles of the Canadian Constitution, helps develop a strong nation. When each principle of the constitution is carried out properly our great nation should and will thrive.