ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some thoughts on the Constitution of a polyethnic state. The call for polyethnic constitutions by ethnic minorities should spawn no fear in the minds of any ethnic majority, for it is simply a call for respect for their race, religion, or language. French Canadians, a cultural enclave in Canada and North America, feel that they require special powers in Canadian federalism to enable them to ensure that their culture and language survive and flourish in the generations to come. Respect and tolerance cannot be a real threat to the ethnic majority. The real problem in a polyethnic society lies in the hearts and minds of the people, specifically the attitude of the bigots, the intolerant, the indifferent, and the uncommitted. The moral authority of the constitution resides in the moral quality of the people, of their leaders, and of their government.
