The British North America Act established a federal political system of government in Canada with a central government in Ottawa and provincial governments in the four original provinces of Confederation.

The most important aspects of the BNA Act are contained in Sections 91 and 92 of the constitution which outline federal and provincial responsibilities or powers.

SECTION 91 (Federal)                                                      SECTION 92 (Provincial)
        · defense                                                                                · education (section 93)
        · banking and money                                                             · municipal institutions
        · postal service                                                                      · hospitals
        · criminal law                                                                         · property and civil rights

Immigration and agriculture were shared responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments. The federal government could also disallow any provincial law if it felt it was not in Canada's interest.

Try the following questions on the British North America Act.