Includes bibliographical references and index.

The making of the Canadian Constitution -- The legislative power -- The executive power -- The judiciary -- Federalism -- Rights and freedoms -- Aboriginal peoples.

Founding of British North America -- Conflict, rebellion and responsible government -- From colony to nation -- Provincialism, regionalism and Canadian nationhood -- Federalism and the French Canadians -- Multicultural Canada -- Aboriginal rights -- Constitution act 1982 -- 1995 referendum on Quebec sovereignty and the secession reference -- Parliament of Canada -- Provincial legislatures -- Elections -- Reform of the legislative process -- Responsible government as a constitutional convention -- The monarchy and its representatives -- Prime Minister and cabinet -- Ministers and their departments -- Government agencies, crown corporations and administrative tribunals -- Institutionalization of the rule of law -- Superior courts -- Federal court -- Provincial courts -- Administrative tribunals -- Supreme Court of Canada -- Constitutional remedies -- Canada as a quasi-federation -- Quebec's distinct society versus the equality of the provinces -- Comparisons to the European Union -- Peace, order and good government -- Criminal law power -- Citizenship, international affairs and defence -- Provincial authority over public lands -- Rights and freedoms -- Aboriginal peoples.