Australian Constitution

Question 1

When was the constitution formed?

Answer 1

1901 January 1st

Question 2

What are the three organs of government?

Answer 2

• the legislature
• the executive
• the judiciary

Question 3

What is the legislature arm of government?

Answer 3

The law makers, eg the House of Representatives and the Senate (Parliament)

Question 4

What is the executive arm of government?

Answer 4

The ministers and departments who administer the laws made by parliament (e.g the governor general, prime minister and the cabinet)

Question 5

What is the judiciary arm of government?

Answer 5

The courts which interpret and apply law.

Question 6

Where is there an overlap within the governmental organs?

Answer 6

The Legislature and the Executive overlap, as a parliamentary law maker of the Legislature can also be a member of the cabinet, which makes them part of the Executive.

Question 7

Which distinction between the arms of government makes Australia’s government a democracy?

Answer 7

The separation of the Judiciary and the other arms.

Question 8

What are the five steps needed to successfully alter the Constitution?

Answer 8

1. The proposed change must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives with absolute majority.
2. The change must be ‘not less than two months nor more than six months’ after going through both houses.
3. There must be a definite majority of voters Australia wide who approve the change (50% + 1).
4. Majority of states must approve the change (4 out of 6)
5. The alteration must go to the governor-general for royal assent.

Question 9

What do sections 51 - 60 allow?

Answer 9

Sections 51-60 allow for both the federal and sate governments to have the power to make laws.