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In Federal-ProvincialDiplomacy , Richard Simeon uncovers the mechanisms behind the policy negotiations taking place amongst Canada's political leaders and bureaucrats.

This article reviews the literature on constitutional design and change, especially in territorially divided societies that have adopted or are considering the adoption of federal or federalist regimes. The study of these processes, it argues, must integrate normative and empirical analysis and must be highly sensitive to historical, cultural, economic and geo-political contexts. There are few sustainable generalizations in the field, and few prescriptions for constitution-making processes or specific constitutional arrangements that are easily transferable. Questions addressed in the article include: What are the starting points or drivers for movements to constitutional change; what are the issues that arise in efforts to reform federal constitutions; who participates; in what arenas; with what decision rules; and with what results? Adapted from the source document.

Examines the case of Canada where Quebec nationalists almost won a referendum calling for secession. Canada's long history as a decentralized federation is pointed out to argue that the ability of federalism to accommodate Canada's dualist character is due to the interaction of social/political changes with federalist institutions/practices. Ways in which the federal institutional structure has shaped the articulation & mobilization of language & regional identities are explored, along with how Canadian federalism has been molded by the territorial character of these divisions. Although federal institutions have been effective in managing the divisions in many ways, Canada's highly decentralized model, single-party government, plurality electoral system, & unicameral parliament have kept some provinces from having an influence on the central government which has created feelings of exclusion. In Quebec this alienation is combined with a strong separate identity; however, the attachment of most Quebecers to Canada, coupled with the autonomy provided Quebec by the federalist system, have helped to keep the issue of Quebec nationalism peaceful & highly democratic. 58 References. J. Lindroth

The impact of North American integration upon Canada's federal political system is studied. An overview of Canada's economic, political, & social relations with the US & with other countries throughout the world is presented. The popular assertion that North American integration processes will worsen regional conflicts within Canadian society is challenged; even though it is conceded that regional integration could intensify competition between Canadian provinces for investment & trade, it is asserted that global & regional integration will have little impact on regional divisions in Canadian society. The effects of global & regional integration processes upon various aspects of Canadian federalism are then highlighted. Specifically, it is argued that such processes have produced little effect upon Canadian identities, have not generated considerable support for Quebec's independence movement, have not promoted the decentralization of Canada's federal government, have had various effects upon Canadian intergovernmental relations, & have not created potentially destructive levels of economic competition & harmful environmental policies. Future directions within the international order that could solidify or jeopardize the Canadian federal system's stability are also pondered. 68 References. J. W. Parker

Like all other governing institutions, federal structures must be able to adapt and adjust to changing economic, political, and social circumstances. This article outlines the major drivers that call for change in the institutions and processes of federalism. These include changing citizen orientations and expectations, changing policy agendas arising from the environment, new patterns of governance and public administration, and the pressures of globalisation. Although some worry that federal institutions are rigid and inflexible, the paper describes a wide variety of mechanisms and processes through which federal institutions have been able to respond. These include constitutional amendment, judicial interpretation, coordination through intergovernmental relations and associated intergovernmental agreements, fiscal federalism, asymmetrical arrangements, the delegation of powers, and, in limited cases, the use of emergency powers.