Definitions •• Flashcards
Australian Constitution
the written document containing the principles and laws that describe the powers and duties of the Australian Government
Bicameral
Having two Houses of Parliament — the House of Representatives and the Senate
Cabinet
A group of senior ministers who, with the prime minister, make government policy
Constitutional monarchy
A government headed by a monarch with powers limited by a constitution
Executive
Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws
Federation
When Australia’s independent colonies came together to form a single nation called the commonwealth of Australia in 1901
Governor General
Australia’s head of state appointed by the Queen on advice of the prime minister, with powers set out in the Constitution.
House of Representatives
The elected lower House of Parliament of Australia
Judiciary
Responsible for interpreting laws and deciding how they are applied
Legislature
Responsible for making laws
Monarch
A king or queen who generally holds power by birth right and not merit
Parliament
The place where the government is centered; it contains the House of Representatives and the Senate
Prime minister
The head of the Australian government and leader of the executive
Referendum
A vote of the Australian electors on a proposed change to the Australian constitution
Senate
The upper house of the parliament of Australia where senators sit; also known as the states house
