Grade 4 · Social Studies · Unit 7 of 9
Rebellions & Responsible Government
1837, the Durham Report and having a say in government
What your child practises
In 1837 and 1838 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada pushed for more say in government. Children learn about Mackenzie and Papineau, the Durham Report, and how responsible government was won in the 1840s.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: the Rebellions of 1837, responsible government, and Confederation · the 1837–38 rebellions, the Durham Report and the move toward responsible government
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
The Family Compact and the Château Clique were…
🏰- fur companies
- churches
- small groups of powerful men who held most of the power
- sports teams
Show answer
small groups of powerful men who held most of the power
Hint: They influenced the governors.
Question 2
Why did some reformers want change but not fight?
📰- they liked the governor
- they were too young
- they had no ideas
- they hoped to win reform through votes and talk
Show answer
they hoped to win reform through votes and talk
Hint: Many reformers used newspapers and elections.
Question 3
What happened to the rebellions in 1837–38?
🛡️- the army put them down, but they led to change
- rebels took over Canada
- they ended in a treaty
- they were never stopped
Show answer
the army put them down, but they led to change
Hint: The colonial government regained control.
Question 4
Why do Canadians today see responsible government as a step toward democracy?
🗳️- only the king decides
- leaders are chosen by birth
- judges choose the leaders
- voters choose the people who control the government
Show answer
voters choose the people who control the government
Hint: It is the idea behind elections today.
Question 5
Why did rebels in both Upper and Lower Canada ask for change at the same time?
🤔- they wanted holidays
- they lived next door
- they shared worries about who held power
- they were on the same team
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they shared worries about who held power
Hint: People in both colonies felt shut out of decisions.
Question 6
What is responsible government?
🏛️- government by the army
- the government must have the support of the elected assembly
- government by one governor only
- no government at all
Show answer
the government must have the support of the elected assembly
Hint: The leaders must answer to the people's representatives.