1841: The Year of Responsible Government?

Abstract

This piece provides an overview of the historiography of responsible government in the United Province of Canada and shows why scholars of the 19th century assert that responsible government began in 1841, while 20th- and 21st-century scholars counter that it did not emerge until 1848. Ultimately, the difference pertains to how these scholars define responsible government, particularly on how they define collective ministerial responsibility and cabinet solidarity versus individual ministerial responsibility.

Keywords: Responsible Government, Ministerial Responsibility, United Province of Canada