POLI 221 Chapter Notes -Responsible Government, Totalitarianism, Constitutionalism
10 Oct 2013
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Mallory, j. r. , the continuing evolution of canadian constitutionalism in cairns and willliam (eds. ) Constitutionalism, citizenship and society in canada (toronto: university of toronto press 1985) pp. 51-97. Political system work because its members share values. Basic values and institutions must reinforce one another. If not the institution may undermine the efficacy of the system. But they are about to change and maintain their form at the same time. It becomes necessary to identify the enduring values of the canadian polity and the extent to which they are supported or embodied in political institutions. Constitutional order makes the difference between free societies and totalitarian states. Majority rule and democratic values themselves are insufficient. Need of a rule of conduct to contain abuse of power. Restrain on the exercise of government power and arbitrary rule is contained through a system of checks and balances. Constitutional rules need to be understood and reinforced (voluntary acceptance of restraints/rules)
