definitons

Question 1

Dictatorship

Answer 1

• Totalitarian rule by one person or a group of people

Question 2

Coalition

Answer 2

• Multiple political parties combining to form a government

Question 3

Constitutional monarchy

Answer 3

• A system of government in which a royal person is a figurative head of government

Question 4

Bi-cameral

Answer 4

• A parliament that has two houses (Upper and lower houses)

Question 5

Dorothy Dix Question

Answer 5

• A question asked of a government minister by a government backbencher, designed to highlight government policies and achievements

Question 6

Act of Parliament

Answer 6

• An official law made by Parliament

Question 7

By-election

Answer 7

• A mini election held in a specific electorate to elect an MP in that electorate to fill a vacancy arising during a government’s term of office

Question 8

Royal assent

Answer 8

• Agreement to a bill by a sovereign or representative, which is required before a bill can come into force as a law

Question 9

Portfolio

Answer 9

• A minister’s area of responsibility as a member of Cabinet

Question 10

Checks and Balances

Answer 10

• A system which ensures that political power is not concentrated in the hands of one individual or group

Question 11

Democracy

Answer 11

• A system of government chosen by and responsible to the community, usually elected representatives

Question 12

Constitution

Answer 12

• The document that prescribes the structure of Australia’s political system and provides the framework for its operation