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Canadian Theme Unit

Compacts and Cliques

Compacts and Cliques
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 6 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   7.94

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    faction, countryside, rebellion, leadership, minority, unrest, revolt, society, carving, wealthy, monarchy, explosion, general, government, power, control
     content words:    Lower Canada, North America, When Quebec, In Upper Canada, Family Compact, In Lower Canada, Chateau Clique, Executive Council, Lieutenant Governor, Legislative Assembly

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Compacts and Cliques
By Mary Lynn Bushong 		  
1     What happens when a small group with special interests gains control of any group? The faction that is out of power may be quiet for a while, but trouble will brew. Eventually, there will be an explosion of some kind. This happened in both Upper and Lower Canada.
 
2     After the French lost control of North America, the British took over. When Quebec was split into Upper and Lower Canada, the government was split as well. The wealthy British settlers and some Loyalists took the reins of power. In Upper Canada, they were known as the Family Compact. In Lower Canada, they were known as the Chateau Clique.
 
3     The government of both of the Canadas had an Executive Council, a Lieutenant Governor, and a Legislative Assembly. The Executive Council held most of the power. The members could veto any action proposed by the Legislative Assembly. Those on the council were selected by the wealthiest, most powerful members of the colony. They were the candidates who would look out for and support the interests of the wealthy.
 
4     The Legislative Assembly was elected from the general population. Since it was allowed no real power, little could be done to rein in the Executive Counsel.

Paragraphs 5 to 14:
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