Final answer:
The subject of the question is regarding two constitutional change attempts in Quebec - in 1980 and 1995, through referenda where Quebec almost voted for independence. The early Quebec Act also influenced discussions, granting special status on religious freedoms and setting the boundaries of Quebec within Canada.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attempts at Constitutional Change in Quebec
In the late 20th century, the question of Quebec's sovereignty became a major issue in Canadian politics. Quebec's distinct cultural and linguistic identity led to two major attempts to alter its constitutional relationship with Canada. The first attempt was the 1980 referendum on sovereignty-association, which was rejected by the Quebec population. The second attempt, much narrower in margin, was the 1995 referendum, whereby Quebec almost voted for independence, with 50.6% voting to remain in Canada. This close result led to further discussions on cultural protections for Quebec within Canada to address the concerns of the Francophone population about their identity.
In addition, the Quebec Act of the 18th century set the stage for many modern debates about Quebec's position in Canada. Although not a direct constitutional change, it demonstrated early attempts to accommodate Quebec's unique cultural landscape, including its religious freedoms and territorial definitions, within the broader context of the Canadian confederation. This Act has also influenced how Quebec views its rights and privileges within the federation.
The successive referendums and the ongoing dialogue between Quebec and the rest of Canada highlight the evolving nature of constitutional discussions in the country. While secession has not occurred, these attempts have significantly shaped the political landscape and legislative actions taken by the Canadian government to recognize and preserve Quebec's distinct identity.