2- Structure Of Parliaments Flashcards
What is the lower house in the federal parliament, and what are it’s key features?
The House of Representatives:
- has 150 members, each representing an electorate.
- Members are elected for 3 years.
What is the upper house in the federal parliament, and what are it’s key features?
The Senate:
- has 76 members (12 from each state, 2 from each territory)
- senators are elected for 6 years (half are re-elected every 3 years)
What are the roles of the HoR?
- to introduce legislation
- to debate/scrutinise bills
- to amend laws
- to represent the electorates
What are the roles of the Senate?
- to introduce legislation (cannot be related to finance)
- to debate/scrutinise laws
- to represent states.. IS THE STATES HOUSE
- acts as a HOUSE OF REVIEW
Who is:
A) the leader of federal parliament?
B) the crown of federal parliament?
A) The leader is the Prime Minister (currently, Malcolm Turnbull)
B) The Governor-General (currently Sir Peter Cosgrove)
What is the lower house in the state parliament, and what are it’s key features?
The Legislative Assembly:
- has 88 members, each representing an electorate
- are elected for 4 years (fixed)
What is the upper house in the state parliament, and what are it’s key features?
The Legislative Council:
- has 40 members (each representing an electoral region)
- are elected for 4 years (fixed)
What are the roles of the Legislative Council?
- to introduce legislation
- to debate/scrutinise laws
- to amend laws
BUT in relation to state matters: eg, transport, education
What are the roles of the Legislative Council?
- to introduce legislation (not related to finance)
- to debate/scrutinise laws
- to amend laws
The Council cannot reject financial bills.
BUT in relation to state matters: eg, transport, education
Who is:
A) the leader of state (Victorian) parliament?
B) the crown of state parliament?
A) The leader is the Premier (currently, Daniel Andrews, with Matthew Guy as the opposition)
B) The crown is the Governor (currently, Ms Linda Dessau)
Where is Australia’s parliamentary system derived from?
Australia’s parliamentary system is based off the UK’s Westminster system. This system is bicameral, meaning it consists of two houses.
