Exam Questions: Section A

Question 1

What are the roles of the Governor General?

Answer 1

• Maintains legitimacy and continuity of government
• Represents the Queen and people of NZ at public ceremonies
• Represents NZ during international ceremonies, community functions, opening new buildings, presenting awards, launching special events.

Question 2

How many Maori seats are there currently?

Answer 2

7 (up from 4 since 1867)

Determined by level of the electoral population and they have to be registered on the Maori roll.

Question 3

What is the constitution?

Answer 3

Regards:
Laws
Regulations
Political practices

Question 4

Current Governor General?

Answer 4

Sir Jerry Mateparae

Question 5

What are the roles of the Attorney General?

Answer 5

Maintaining the rule of law and notifying Cabinet of any proposals or govt actions that do not comply.

Proposing action

It is also the link between the judiciary and executive government.

Question 6

What is ‘parliamentary sovereignty’?

Answer 6

Our Head of State is ruled by the Queen who:

• Gives Royal assent to bills
• Calls parliament to meet
• Dissolve parliament
• Call on election

There is no other active role that the Queen plays.

Question 7

What are the roles of the Speaker of the House?

Answer 7

Speaks for the House to the Crown
Chairs meetings in the House
Chairs 3 select committees
Acts as Landlord for parliament’s buildings
Represents House to international and other important visitors

Question 8

Which two terms best describe the current electoral system?

Answer 8

Multi-party systems (since MMP was introduced)

Proportional

Question 9

What role does the Constitution play in Social Policy?

Answer 9

Sets structure, power and functions
Sets rules that establish power and responsibilities of govt
Regulates relationships between various parts of govt and between govt and its citizens

Question 10

What is the function of a Select Committee?

Answer 10

Scrutinising the executive - esp. spending
Initiating inquiries
Considering petitions 
Estimates and financial reviews
Public submissions

Question 11

What is the purpose of a Select Committee?

Answer 11

To do the detailed work of the House
Gain public input
Briefings
Financial reviews
Inquiries

Question 12

What are the types of Select Committees?

Answer 12

Health
Justice and Electoral
Law and Order
Commerce

Question 13

What does it mean to have “Confidence of the House”?

Answer 13

To form a govt party or parties needs the support of the majority of the House on important votes