Authoritarianism, Constitutionalism and the Special Council of Lower Canada, 1838-1841

Following the Rebellion of 1837 in Lower Canada, British authorities suspended the colony’s constitution. From April 1838 to February 1841, legislative power vested in an appointed Special Council. The author argues that the changes imposed by this Council were largely those envisioned by a political movement known as the Montreal Constitutional Association. He notes that as time went on, the Special Council's membership, powers and legislation increasingly reflected Constitutionalist values. However, not all Special Councillors shared the Constitutionalists' goals. But those who opposed the Constitutionalists found themselves powerless to alter the course of events. In the end, the author concludes, the authoritarian nature of the Special Council meant that only one vision of the province's future could be put forward in the institution's legislation.

Master's Thesis

McGill University

Montreal

1997

149p.

en