Is the citizenship test hard? This is probably one of the questions on your mind. In reality a test is hard if you don’t prepare adequately.
There are citizenship resources that cover the test topics.
See some of the topics.
The Beginnings of Democracy
The first representative assembly was elected in Halifax in 1758. Prince Edward Island followed in 1773 and New Brunswick in 1785.
Through the Constitutional Act there were divisions in 1791. Quebec was split into Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
The Act also granted legislative assemblies elected by the people. Moreover, the name Canada became official.
Abolition of Slavery
In 1793, Upper Canada, became the first province to move toward abolition.
This saw thousands of slaves escape the United States. They settled in Canada via the Underground Railroad –a powerful christian anti-slavery network.
A Growing Economy
The first financial institutions opened in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Montreal Stock Exchange opened in 1832.
For centuries, farming was Canada’s economic mainstay. As well as export of various natural resources. All these were transported by roads, lakes, rivers and canals.
The War of 1812: The Fight for Canada
After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Royal Navy ruled the waves.
This in turn led to American resentment of interference with their shipping. As a result, the United States subsequently launched an invasion of Canada in June 1812.
In July Major-General Sir Isaac Brock captured Detroit but was killed while defending against an American attack. A battle the Americans eventually lost spectacularly.
In 1813, French habitants, turned back 4,000 American invaders in the south of Montreal. Similarly, the Americans burned Government Buildings in York (now Toronto).
In retaliation an expedition from Nova Scotia burned down the White House and other public buildings in Washington. Swiftly ending the American attempt to conquer Canada.
The present-day Canada-U.S.A. border is partly an outcome of the War of 1812. And a symbol of Canada’s independence from the United States.
Rebellions of 1837–38
In the 1830s, some reformers in the Canadas believed it should join the United States.
Unfortunately in 1837 – 38 armed rebellions broke out. These happened in the area outside Montreal and Toronto. But there wasn’t enough support. The rebels were defeated by British troops and Canadian volunteers.
A number of rebels were hanged or exiled. Some of the exiles eventually returned to Canada. Later, a recommendation was made that Upper and Lower Canada merge. By joining up they’d then have a responsible government.
This would however require the Crown’s ministers to have substantial support. From a majority of the elected representatives in order to govern.
The recommendation went further to say that there was a quick way for the French Canadiens to achieve progress. It would be easier if they assimilated into English-speaking Protestant culture.
Unfortunately, this was against the French Canadians, desire to uphold their identity.
Responsible Government
In 1840, Upper and Lower Canada united as the Province of Canada.
The first British North American colony to attain full responsible government was Nova Scotia in 1847–48.
In 1848–49 United Canada’s governor, Lord Elgin introduced responsible government.
And this is the system that’s in place today.
La Fontaine, a champion of democracy and French language rights, became the first leader of a responsible government in the Canadas.
Confederation
From 1864 to 1867, several representatives established a new country.
These men were the Fathers of Confederation. They created two levels of government: federal and provincial.
The old Province of Canada was split into two new provinces: Ontario and Quebec, which, together with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, formed the Dominion of Canada.
Each province would elect its own legislature and have control of areas like education and health.
The British Parliament passed the British North America Act in 1867.
Until 1982, July 1 was celebrated as “Dominion Day” to commemorate the day Canada became a self-governing Dominion. Today it is officially known as Canada Day.
In Conclusion
After reading this do you think the citizenship test is hard?
If you read the official study guide in detail plus all the guidelines you’ll find it easy to pass.