History & Geography · Grade 7 · Confederation: Building a Nation · Term 2

Political Deadlock in the Province of Canada

Understand how the equal number of seats for Canada East and West led to a government that could not make decisions.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Canada, 1850–1867: Distance, Diversity, and Demographics - Grade 7

About This Topic

In the mid-1800s, the Province of Canada (modern-day Ontario and Quebec) faced a severe political deadlock. The Act of Union had given Canada West and Canada East an equal number of seats in the legislature, making it nearly impossible for any government to pass laws if the two sides disagreed. This led to a series of short-lived governments and a total inability to address the colony's growing needs. Students will examine the causes of this deadlock, including the 'Double Majority' rule and the differing interests of the English and French-speaking populations.

The solution came through the 'Great Coalition,' where political rivals like John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and George-Étienne Cartier put aside their differences to work toward a larger union of all British North American colonies. This topic is a perfect case study in political compromise and the necessity of collaboration. It comes alive when students simulate the frustrations of a deadlocked parliament.

Key Questions

1. Explain how the structure of the Province of Canada's government led to political deadlock.
2. Analyze the impact of frequent government collapses on colonial stability.
3. Predict how political leaders might seek to resolve such a persistent deadlock.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how the equal representation of Canada East and West in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada created conditions for political deadlock.
• Analyze the consequences of frequent government collapses on the legislative process and colonial stability between 1850 and 1867.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Double Majority' rule as a mechanism to resolve legislative disagreements.
• Compare the political priorities and concerns of Canada East and Canada West that contributed to the deadlock.

Before You Start

Government Structures in British North America

Why: Students need a basic understanding of how colonial governments were organized before understanding the specific issues within the Province of Canada's assembly.

The Act of Union (1840)

Why: Understanding the creation and purpose of the Province of Canada and its initial governmental structure is essential context for the deadlock.

Key Vocabulary

Political Deadlock	A situation where opposing parties or factions in a government are so divided that no decisions can be made or laws passed.
Legislative Assembly	The elected body responsible for making laws in the Province of Canada, composed of representatives from Canada East and Canada West.
Double Majority	A proposed rule requiring legislation to pass both a majority of all members and a majority of members from each section (Canada East and Canada West) to become law.
Province of Canada	The political entity formed by the Act of Union in 1841, comprising what are now Ontario (Canada West) and Quebec (Canada East).
Great Coalition	An alliance formed in 1864 between political leaders from different parties and regions to address the political deadlock and pursue confederation.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The politicians in the 1860s always got along.

What to Teach Instead

Many of the Fathers of Confederation were bitter enemies who personally disliked each other. Using a 'character profile' activity can highlight the personal sacrifices they made for the coalition.

Common Misconception

Political deadlock was just about being stubborn.

What to Teach Instead

It was a structural problem caused by the way the government was designed under the Act of Union. A diagram of the 1841 government structure can help students see the built-in flaws.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Deadlocked Parliament

The class is divided into two equal groups representing Canada East and West. They are given a series of bills to pass (e.g., building a railway, school funding), but each bill requires a majority from both sides to pass. Students experience the frustration of constant 'no' votes.

50 min·Whole Class

Role Play: The Great Coalition Meeting

Students take on the roles of Macdonald, Brown, and Cartier. They must negotiate a deal where each leader gets something they want in exchange for supporting a federal union. They must write a 'press release' explaining their compromise.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Rep by Pop

Students discuss the concept of 'Representation by Population' (Rep by Pop). They share why this was a fair demand for Canada West but a scary prospect for Canada East.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Modern legislative bodies, like the Canadian Parliament or provincial legislatures, can experience gridlock when parties disagree on key legislation, impacting public services and national policy.
• Negotiations in international diplomacy, such as trade agreements or climate change summits, often involve complex compromises to overcome disagreements between participating nations, similar to the challenges faced by leaders in the Province of Canada.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with a hypothetical scenario where a bill is proposed in the Legislative Assembly. Ask them to identify which groups would likely support or oppose it and explain how the 'Double Majority' rule might prevent it from passing, using specific vocabulary terms.

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Imagine you are a newspaper editor in 1860. Write a short editorial (2-3 sentences) describing the frustration caused by political deadlock and suggesting one possible solution.' Encourage students to share their editorials and discuss the common themes.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down two reasons why the structure of the Legislative Assembly led to deadlock and one consequence of this deadlock for the people living in the Province of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is political deadlock?

Political deadlock occurs when a government is unable to pass laws because opposing parties have equal power and cannot agree on a way forward. In the Province of Canada, this happened because Canada East and West had the same number of seats.

Who was George Brown and why did he join the coalition?

George Brown was the leader of the Clear Grits in Canada West. Although he was a rival of Macdonald and Cartier, he joined the Great Coalition because he believed that Confederation was the only way to achieve 'Representation by Population' and end the deadlock.

What was the 'Great Coalition'?

The Great Coalition was a political alliance formed in 1864 between the leaders of the major parties in Canada West and Canada East. Their goal was to end the political deadlock and pursue the creation of a federal union of British North American colonies.

How can active learning help students understand political deadlock?

By simulating a deadlocked legislature, students feel the actual frustration of political paralysis. This 'hands-on' experience makes the subsequent 'Great Coalition' feel like a necessary and brilliant solution rather than just another date to memorize.