5. Politics Flashcards
What is an electorate?
An electorate is a geographical area of Australia represented by a member of parliament elected to the House of Representatives.
How many are there?
Australia is currently divided into 151 electoral divisions, each represented by one member.
Why are the electorates larger in country areas?
Electorates are larger in country areas because they cover more land to include enough people for balanced representation, as rural populations are spread out over wider spaces than in urban areas.
Name the upper and lower house of Federal Parliament
House of Reps
Senate
Name the upper and lower house of State Parliament.
Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council
What is a coalition?
When parties work together it is called a coalition.
Eg. Liberal Party and Nationals
What does bi-cameral mean?
“Bi-cameral” refers to a legislative system with two separate houses, typically an upper house and a lower house
What is the constitution and how can it be changed?
the Constitution itself can only be changed through a vote by the Australian people - a referendum.
How many senators are there in total? How many from each state and territory?
The Senate is made up of 76 senators. Twelve senators represent each state and 2 senators represent each territory.
List the 3 levels of government and give 3 responsibilities at each level.
Federal Government
State Government
Local Government
Federal Government
Defense and national security
Immigration and citizenship
Trade and foreign affairs
State Government
Education (schools and curriculum)
Health services (hospitals and clinics)
Transport infrastructure (roads and public transport)
Local Government
Waste collection and management
Local roads and community infrastructure
Public amenities (parks, libraries, community centers)
Where does each level of government obtain its revenue?
federal
- income tax
- company tax
State
- GST
- Stamp duty
Local
- Receipts from rates
What is the difference between preferential voting and first past the post voting?
In preferential voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
In first past the post voting, voters select only one candidate
How often are federal elections held?
every 3 years
Who is the Prime Minister and what party does he belong to?
- Anthony Albonesy
Labor Party
Who is the Federal Opposition leader and what party is he from?
Peter Dutin
Liberal
Name Victoria’s Premier and Opposition leader?
Current: Jacinta Allan
Opposition: Tim wilson
What is the role of the Governor General? Who is it?
The Governor-General is the Kings representative in Australia
He provides Royal Assent to laws passed by Parliament
Sam Mostyn
When and why did Australia become federated? Give 3 reasons.
Australia became federated on January 1, 1901
- Defense and Security
- Trade and economic growth
- Establish our National Identity
What is the role of the Speaker in the House of Representatives?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives oversees proceedings in the House, ensuring that debates are orderly, rules are followed, and members have an equal opportunity to speak.
Who can vote in Australian elections?
Australian Citizens ages 18 and over
Individuals who are registered on the electoral roll
A minister without a portfolio is known as a ?
a politician who is given the rank of minister without being given responsibility for any particular area of a government’s activities.
Is a donkey vote formal? How is it set out?
Where the voter has their preferences in the same order as the candidates listed on the ballot paper. A donkey vote is a formal vote.
Informal Vote
The ballot paper is not marked at all or is marked with drawings. This vote is not counted.
Where are Federal and State responsibilities written?
Under the constitution
What type of voting system is used in the Senate?
preferential
What is a member of Parliament not affiliated with a Political party called?
Independant
What does a Cabinet mean in Politics?
Cabinet is a group of senior members of the government including the Prime Minister. · Cabinet meets to decide on government policy and national issues.
