1- Australian Parliament

Question 1

Responsible government is when:

Answer 1

• MPs are expected to be honest and transparent with their constituents
• They are responsible to those constituents
• They are held accountable for their/their departments actions
• MPs are also responsible to parliament.

Question 2

What is the separation of powers?

Answer 2

The separation of powers divided into 3 parts:

• The Legislative arm
• The Executive arm
• The Judicial arm

Question 3

Describe the legislative arm.

Answer 3

The legislative arm is the parliament, consisting of both the government, opposition, minor parties and the independents.

They introduce and make laws.

Question 4

Describe the executive arm.

Answer 4

The executive arm consists of the Prime Minister and Ministers.

Their job is to administer and implement the laws.

Question 5

Describe the judicial arm.

Answer 5

The judiciary consists of the courts and judicial system.

Their role is to interpret and enforce the law.

Question 6

Does Australia have a true separation of powers? Why/why not?

Answer 6

No, Australia does not have a true separation of powers. This is because the executive arm can consist of members from the legislative arm.

Eg: Malcolm Turnbull is the PM (executive), but also holds a seat in the HoR (legislative).

Question 7

Why is a separation of powers important?

Answer 7

• Provides a checks and balances system.
• Ensures that no single arm wields absolute power.
• Prevents one arm from influencing another.
• Prevents abuse of power.

Question 8

Representative government is where:

Answer 8

• the government is elected by the people.
• MPs must represent the interests and values of the people.
• The bicameral structure contributes to this principle (HoR represents electorates, Senate represents the states).