Civics and Citizenship Flashcards
What are the 3 levels of government?
Federal, state, local
What is the constitution?
The constitution is a document of laws that Australia is required to follow
Why do we have a constitution?
It is necessary to have a document which consists of the guidelines for Australia so that the nation can live in harmony.
What are the steps necessary to change the constitution?
There must be a referendum held and majority of states (4/6) must agree to the new change
What are the 3 branches of the constitution and what are they responsible for?
Legislature - The power to make laws
Executive - The power to enforce laws
Judiciary - The power to interpret and apply laws
What are the Australian values?
Australian values are based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality
What is the Australian identity?
The Australian identity is a reflection of all that is good in everyone. It is about having a fair go.
What is the Federal Government responsible for?
The federal government is responsible for deciding on national laws eg defence, taxes, immigration
What is the State Government responsible for?
The state government is responsible for deciding on laws affecting the state. Eg education, health/hospitals and public transport.
What is the local government responsible for?
The local government is responsible for taking care of issues locally such as fixing local roads and footpaths, libraries, waste disposal.
What type of government is Australia?
Australia is a constitutional monarchy
What is separation of powers?
Power at the federal level is divided between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
What are the 2 main houses of parliament?
The House of Representatives (green)
The Senate (red)
How many members are in The Senate?
76 members
Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister is the leader of the nation and the leader of the winning party
What is democracy?
A form of government that is run by the people
What is the Bicameral System?
The bicameral Parliament of Australia consists of two Houses: the lower house is called the House of Representatives and the upper house is named the Senate
What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
A constitutional monarchy is where the head of state is the queen but she is represented by the governor general. The governor general with the senate and house of representatives is part of the Australian Parliament.
What is preferential voting?
Preferential voting is a system of voting in which voters indicate their first, second, and lower choices of several candidates for a single office.
Governor General?
The queen’s representative who has specific duties as outlined in the constitution eg acting commander in chief for Australian Defence Force.
