1. List in order of importance three ways the United States was a factor in the canadian Confederation. defend your choices with examples

2. explain the concept of manifest destiny. how much of a threat to British North America was the United States?

3. explain the "double majority" principle of government. why would it make effective government difficult?

Please help and explain everything

Your book is the best source of this information.

I'll be glad to check your answers.

There is a reason why I posted this question because I read the book and it gives me NO information and I have already completed my other questions but these are the ones I have left

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Confederation#Influences_leading_to_Confederation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_destiny

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_majority

GIVE ME THE ANSWERS MS SUE!

1. List in order of importance three ways the United States was a factor in the Canadian Confederation. Defend your choices with examples.

To determine the order of importance, we need to consider the impact and significance of each factor in the Canadian Confederation. Here are three ways the United States influenced the Confederation, listed in order of importance:

a) Fear of American Expansion: The fear of American expansion was a key factor that influenced the urgency and need for Canadian Confederation. Canadian politicians and statesmen were concerned that the United States might seek to annex British North America. This fear motivated Canada's leaders to come together and create a united front against American aggression. For example, the American Civil War heightened the threat perception as Britain could be preoccupied with the conflict and unable to defend its North American colonies.

b) Economic and Trade Considerations: Economic ties with the United States were significant for Canada and played a role in the Confederation process. Access to American markets and the threat of trade barriers imposed by the US government led Canadian policymakers to seek a unified economic approach. They believed that a stronger, centralized government would enhance trade negotiations and ensure better economic prospects for the newly formed Dominion of Canada. For instance, the reciprocity treaty with the United States, which allowed free trade between Canada and the US, was terminated in 1866, leading to concerns about the economic future of British North America.

c) Defense and Security: The United States' military power and expansionist ambitions posed a potential threat to British North America's security. To protect against potential invasions or conflicts, it was necessary for the Canadian provinces to form a unified defense front under a central government. The Fenian Raids of the 1860s, led by Irish-American nationalists, further highlighted the concerns over possible attacks from the United States. The need for collective defense and security became a driving force for Confederation.

These factors are listed in order of importance due to their impact on the urgency, formation, and success of the Canadian Confederation process. Fear of American expansion is considered the most crucial factor, as it played a significant role in uniting Canadian leaders and advocating for Confederation.

2. Explain the concept of manifest destiny. How much of a threat to British North America was the United States?
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast, notably across the North American continent. Advocates of Manifest Destiny believed that the United States had a divine mission to spread democracy, civilization, and American values throughout the continent.

In terms of threat to British North America, the concept of manifest destiny did pose some concerns. The territorial ambitions of the United States raised fears among British North American colonies about potential annexation or encroachment on their territories.

However, it is important to note that the threat was not imminent or constant. The United States had its own challenges and priorities to deal with, including the Civil War and internal conflicts. British North America, on the other hand, had the advantage of British military and economic support, which acted as a deterrent to American aggression.

Though the concept of manifest destiny did create anxieties, it was more of a perceived threat rather than an immediate one. The fear of American expansion primarily influenced the urgency of Canadian Confederation, as discussed earlier. Ultimately, through Confederation, Canada aimed to strengthen and unify its position to address any potential challenges posed by the United States.

3. Explain the "double majority" principle of government. Why would it make effective government difficult?
The "double majority" principle of government refers to a requirement for a majority of both the total population and a majority of distinct regions or communities to make a decision or pass a law. This principle recognizes the need to ensure fair representation and prevent the dominance of one specific group or region over others.

However, the double majority principle can make effective government difficult for several reasons:

1) Slower decision-making: Requiring a majority from both the total population and distinct regions can slow down the decision-making process. It may lead to lengthy negotiations, compromises, and difficulties in reaching consensus, delaying the implementation of policies or laws.

2) Gridlock and deadlock: When different regions or communities have conflicting interests, achieving a double majority becomes challenging. This can result in political gridlock, where decisions are stalled due to the inability to satisfy the requirements of multiple majorities. The government may struggle to move forward on crucial issues or reforms.

3) Inequality in representation: Depending on the size and concentration of populations in different regions or communities, the double majority principle can potentially lead to unequal representation. The principle may inadvertently favor larger or more populous regions, diminishing the voices and representation of smaller communities or regions.

4) Fragmentation of power: The double majority principle can lead to fragmentation of power, particularly if regions or communities have divergent priorities and interests. This can hinder cohesive governance and effective coordination in implementing policies that benefit the entire country.

To address these challenges, alternative models of government, such as proportional representation or the use of weighted voting, have been proposed to ensure fair representation and effective decision-making.

In summary, while the "double majority" principle aims to ensure representation and prevent dominance, it can make effective government difficult due to slower decision-making processes, potential gridlock, inequality in representation, and the fragmentation of power.