What core difference exists between the English text and the Maori text (Te Tiriti) of Article 1 of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The English text ceded absolute 'sovereignty'
- Step 1: In Article 1, chiefs ceded 'kawanatanga' (governance/governorship), believing Queen Victoria would govern British settlers. Step 2. The English text claimed cession of 'all rights and powers of Sovereignty', creating deep ongoing constitutional divergences. Answer: The English text ceded absolute 'sovereignty'. Why not the others: The chiefs understood they retained 'tino rangatiratanga' (unqualified chieftainship/sovereignty) under Article 2.
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