Global Citizenship exam rivision Flashcards
why change the constitution
May need to be revised and updated due to changes in society
Certain clauses or sections may become irrelevant or inappropriate
There may be imperfections that need to be corrected
To include a rule to make it more difficult to change
Establish a procedure for Constitutional change
what is the constitution
The Constitution is a word you will hear often in politics and in the legal system. The Constitution of Australia is the written set of rules that outlines how the country’s political and legal system should be organised. Therefore, the Constitution cannot be changed by the Government or Parliament. If they want to change it, they have to ask the Australian people directly to vote in favour of a change: called a referendum. The Constitution also outlines how much power the Parliament, Executive and the courts have. It also contains some rights that Australians are entitled to, like the right to Freedom of Religion.
explain step 1 and 2 of the referendum process
Step 1 – Approval of Proposal in Parliament.
The proposed amendment must be approved by an absolute majority vote (more than 50% of members) in BOTH houses of Parliament. This proposal must clearly outline the change proposed.
Step 2 – The Factors
Members of Parliament who are both for and against the change will meet to decide on their ‘case’ or arguments (debating the issue).
explain step 3 and 4 of the referendum process
Step 3 – Referendum Booklet
Prior to the vote, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will publish a booklet with the arguments for and against the proposed change and will mail it to every household in Australia.
Section 4 – the Vote
All Australians above the age of 18 are required to attend a vote on a specified day within six months of the referendum bill passing Parliament. There are currently 17.5 million registered voters who are mandated to vote in Australian elections and referendum
what is the 5th step of a referendum
One of the biggest hurdles to the success of a referendum is a uniquely Australian feature called a double majority.
In order for the change to the Constitution to occur, there must be TWO majority votes that are achieved.The double majority ensures that the views of all Australians across the country are protected – that one region of the country does not dominate another.
what is the 6th step of the referendum
Step 6 – Governor-General
Having secured a double majority, the last step of the referendum process is to have the change signed into law by the King’s representative.
At this time, the Governor-General can, if recommended by the Government, refuse to sign the change into law – all part of the fun of the Constitution!
what role does the high-level political forum on sustainable development play in the follow up and review of the SDG
Now, the annualHigh-level Political Forum on Sustainable Developmentserves as the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs.
Today, theDivision for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG)in the United NationsDepartment of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues, includingwater,energy,climate,oceans,urbanization,transport,science and technology, theGlobal Sustainable Development Report (GSDR),partnershipsandSmall Island Developing States.
how does the evaluation of DSDG support the implementation of the SDGs
DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of UN systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030 Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all stakeholders to implement the global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.
