what compromises did Macdonald make at the conferences? How do you think Canada would have been different if Macdonald had succeeded on forming the strong national government he desired instead of a federation with strong provincial governments?
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Sir John A. Macdonald made several compromises during the conferences that led to the formation of Canada as a confederation. These compromises were aimed at balancing the interests of different regions and ensuring the successful formation of a new country. Here are some of the main compromises Macdonald made:
1. Representation by population: Macdonald agreed to the principle of representation by population, which meant that provinces would be represented in the federal government based on their population. This was a compromise to address the concerns of larger provinces like Canada West (Ontario) and Quebec, which had more population and wanted to have a greater say in federal decision-making.
2. Federal-provincial balance: Macdonald advocated for a federal system to provide a strong central government while also giving significant powers to the provinces. This compromise sought to balance the interests of provinces that were concerned about losing their autonomy and power to a strong central government.
3. Provincial jurisdiction: Macdonald agreed to give provinces certain areas of jurisdiction, such as education and natural resources. This compromise recognized the diversity of the provinces and their desire to retain control over specific areas of governance.
4. Intercolonial railway: Macdonald supported the idea of building an Intercolonial Railway that would connect the provinces of Canada and ensure their economic integration. This compromise, although it required significant financial investment, aimed to address the concerns of Atlantic colonies that were worried about isolation from the rest of the country.
If Macdonald had succeeded in forming the strong national government he desired instead of a federation with strong provincial governments, Canada would likely have been different in a few key ways:
1. Centralized decision-making: A strong national government would have meant a more centralized decision-making process, with the federal government playing a greater role in policy and governance. This could have led to quicker decision-making but potentially limited provincial autonomy.
2. Less diversity in policy-making: With a strong national government, there may have been less diversity in policy-making, as the federal government would have had more control over various aspects of governance. This could have resulted in less regional variation in policies across the country.
3. Potentially reduced provincial influence: A stronger national government might have limited the influence and power of the provinces in certain areas of jurisdiction. This could have reduced the ability of provinces to address unique regional needs and promote local interests.
Overall, the formation of a federation with strong provincial governments allowed for a balance between federal and provincial powers, ensuring that regional diversity and interests were recognized and accommodated within a united Canada.
To find out the compromises made by Macdonald at the conferences, specifically referring to the conferences related to the federation of Canada, we need to look into the historical context. Macdonald played a significant role in the process of Confederation, which resulted in the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.
During the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, Macdonald was one of the chief proponents of Confederation. The compromises made during this conference included:
1. The idea of a federal system of government, where power would be divided between the central government and provincial governments. This compromise was aimed at satisfying the concerns of the Maritime provinces, who feared being overshadowed by the more populous provinces like Ontario and Quebec.
2. Granting provincial governments significant powers and autonomy, including control over education, natural resources, and the ability to collect certain taxes. This compromise was made to address concerns about protecting local interests and allowing regional diversity.
3. Ensuring the French-Canadian minority in Quebec had adequate representation and influence in the federal government. This was important for maintaining the support of French Canadians and securing their participation in Confederation.
If Macdonald had succeeded in forming a strong national government instead of a federation with strong provincial governments, Canada would have been different in several ways:
1. The central government would have had greater control and authority over provincial matters. This could have resulted in a more centralized governance structure, potentially leading to less autonomy for the provinces.
2. The regional differences and concerns of smaller provinces may have been overshadowed, potentially leading to a less harmonious and unified country.
3. The representation and influence of French Canadians may have been diminished, potentially causing dissatisfaction and resistance from the French-speaking population.
4. The protection of local interests and regional diversity may have been compromised, potentially leading to a more uniform approach to governance that may not have adequately considered the needs and concerns of different provinces.
Overall, Macdonald's compromises at the conferences played a crucial role in building a consensus for Confederation and creating a federal system of government. This system has allowed Canada to accommodate regional diversity and provide provinces with significant powers and autonomy, contributing to the country's stability and success.