Government in Australia Flashcards
What happened in Australia at Federation?
Federation in Australia meant that the six seperate Bristish colonies would agree to unite and form the Commonwealth of Australia to establish a system of ferderalism.
What is a democracy?
A democracy is a form of government where common people hold political freedom and equality.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A constitutional monarchy means that the head of State is a monarch, or sovereign, who is governed and bound by the Constitution. For example, a King or Queen whose power is limited by a constitution.
What is the Constitution?
The basic principles and laws of a nation, state or social group, that determines the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certian rights too the people in it.
List the three levels of government in Australia.
The three levels of government in Australia comprise of Federal, State and Local governments.
Outline the responsibilites (using examples) of the Federal government.
The Federal Government is responsible for issues that affect all Australians such as post, telephones, the internet, money, immigration and defence.
Outline the responsibilites (using examples) of the State government.
The State (and Territory) Government is responsible for issues that affect people in that state or territory including public transport, schools, hospitals, and public housing.
Outline the responsibilites (using examples) of the Local council.
The Local council is responsible for issues that affect local communities such as rubbish collection, recycling, parks, sports fields, swimming pools, pet control and parking.
Define and outline the Legislative Powers of government.
The Legislative Powers of government is the only part of the government that can enforce new laws or change existing laws.
Define and outline the Executive Powers of government.
The Executive Powers of the government put the law into action. The Executive comprises of the Queen, Prime Minister and Ministers.
Define and outline the Judicial Powers of government,
The Judicial Powers of government makes judgements about the law. The Judiciary is made up of the High Court of Australia and other federal courts.
Define Parliament.
A Parliament is a country’s legislative body of government.
Define and outline the role of the upper house of the Federal parliament.
The Legislative Council is the upper house of the Federal parliament in which holds the functions of representing the people, legislatating and scrutinising the executive government as a ‘House of review’.
Define and outline the role of the lower house of the Federal Parliament.
The Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the Federal parliament in which holds the roles of representing the people, forming the Executive Government for NSW, legislating and approving the Government’s request for money.
Define Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister is the most powerful person in the Australian Parliament who has many functions, including: chairing meetings in which the government discusses policies and examines bills, selecting members of the government to be ministers, and leading Cabinet in deciding government policy.
