Glossary-Protection of Rights

Question 1

Bill of Rights

Answer 1

A document that describes the extent of individual democratic and human rights

Question 2

Entrenched Rights

Answer 2

Rights that are protected by a Constitution and can only be changed through the methods set out in the Constitution

Question 3

Express Rights

Answer 3

Rights that are expressly referred to in a Constitution, Bill of Rights or a similar document. Some express rights are entrenched in the Constitution, this means they cannot be easily changed by an Act of Parliament.

Question 4

Implied Rights

Answer 4

Rights that are not expressly referred to but are read into a Constitution by implication

Question 5

Representative Government

Answer 5

Refers to a government that represents the views of the majority of the people

Question 6

Separation of Powers

Answer 6

Refers to the fact that there are three seperate types of powers in our parliamentary system. These are legislative power, executive power and judicial power. Each type of power is exercised by a different institution.

Question 7

Statutory Bill of Rights (entrenched)

Answer 7

A bill of rights that is a part of an Act of Parliament, and can be changed by amending an act of parliament

Question 8

Structural protection of rights

Answer 8

Refers to the protection of rights contained in the structure and text of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (UK) which provides indirect protection of the rights of Australians in their dealings with the Commonwealth Parliament

Question 9

Ultra Vires

Answer 9

Law that is beyond the legal power or authority of the body that created it.