Definitions-gov Flashcards
Define: Constitution
A set of rules displayed in a special document. It describes the composition, role and powers of the federal parliament, the role of the executive government and High Court, and defines rights of Australian citizens.
Define: Referendum
A vote by all the people that is used to approve a change to the Constitution. A certain process must be undertaken in order for a change to be approved.
Define: Representative democracy
A system of government by the people in which representatives are elected. These representatives then vote on what the people want. Australia is a constitutional and representative democracy.
Define: Political party
A group representing a political view. The major Australian political parties are the Liberal Party and the Australian Labor Party.
Define: Crown
The Queen’s authority is also known as the Crown. She is Australia’s head of state.
Define: Governor-General
The Governor-General is the representative of the Crown in Australia. They are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The current one is Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Define: Executive government
Formed by the political party with the majority members in the House of Representatives. The minority forms the Opposition.
Define: Prime Minister
The leader of the political party with a majority in the HOR. They are summoned by the Governor-General to form a government. The current PM is Malcolm Turnbull.
Define: Minister
A member of the executive government that has an area of responsibility known as a portfolio. For example, the minister for health-Jill Hennessy. The minister for health would work out the government policies for health care.
Define: Government
Representatives of the Australian people with authority, who enforce policies and laws to ensure safety and control in society. They defend and protect our land and bring justice to those who break the law.
What is a frontbencher?
Members of parliament allocated a portfolio, also called ministers. Opposition frontbenchers are called shadow ministers. An example of this is Julie Bishop, who is the minister for foreign affairs.
What is a backbencher?
A member of parliament with no special responsibility. They are neither ministers nor shadow ministers.
What is the opposition?
The opposition is made up of shadow ministers. The leader of the opposition is Bill Shorten.
What is a cabinet?
The meeting of senior members.
Define: Constitutional Monarchy
A constitutional monarchy means that our head of state is the crown. It also means we have a constitution or a set of rules that govern our country.
