Government and the Law Flashcards
Voting in Australia?
Over 18 must enrol to vote for federal and state
Who conducts elections?
Australian electoral commission
Advantages to unite the colonies?
Easier trade
Better law enforcement
Better defence
National identity
Union of the colonies happened how?
Negotiation and referendum
When is federation day?
January 1st 1901
What document sets the basic rules for government in Aus?
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution act 1900
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution establishes what?
Parliament
House of representative
Senate
High Court
How can you change Commonwealth of Australia Constitution itself?
Needs a referendum with double majority:
- majority of state and
- majority of voters across the nation
3 arms of government in Australia?
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
Legislative power is?
Parliament
Executive power is? Who is it?
The power to put laws into practice
- Government ministers
- Governor General
What is judicial power?
Judges
Courts and judge are independent of parliament and government
Who is Australia’s Head of State?
Queen Elizabeth II who appoints the
- Governor General for national
- Governor who represents queen in each state
What kind of system of governance is Australia?
Constitutional monarchy (exactly like Canada!)
What does the Governor General do? 4 main things
- Sign bills passed by parliament (Royal Assent)
- Sign Regulations
- Ceremonial duties
- Approves appointment of Aus Gov, ministers, judges etc.
