HS L1 - Key Terms

Question 1

Parliament

Answer 1

• A nation’s legislative body that makes and debates laws

Question 2

Government

Answer 2

• The ruling party or coalition managing a country, led by the Prime Minister or equivalent

Question 3

Opposition

Answer 3

• The political party or coalition not in power, critiquing and holding the government accountable

Question 4

Crossbenchers

Answer 4

• Independent or minor party members not aligned with government or opposition

Question 5

Statute

Answer 5

• A written law passed by Parliament

Question 6

Royal Assent

Answer 6

• The formal approval by the monarch (or representative), in this case the Governor-General, to make a bill law

Question 7

Jurisdiction

Answer 7

• The authority of a court or body to make legal decisions in a specific area

Question 8

Common law

Answer 8

• Law based on judicial decisions and customs rather than statutes

Question 9

Precedent

Answer 9

• A legal decision serving as a rule for future similar cases