Constitutional conservatism, anti-democratic ideology, and the elective principle in British North America’s upper legislative houses, 1848–1867

This chapter explores the idea of elective upper houses across the British North American colonies before Canada emerged as a nation-state in 1867. It argues that, in the wake of colonial responsible government, a new conservatism emerged: one that still favoured the old mixed Constitution of Crown, Lords, and Commons but looked to direct election to restore its former essence. These conservatives in particular pressed for the elective principle – accompanied by strict property qualifications for electors or candidates – in hopes of restoring political legitimacy to their upper houses, siphoning power from the people’s assemblies, and, ultimately, undercutting responsible government itself.