Inner workings of Australia's government

Question 1

How is government formed?

Answer 1

A government is formed when a party or coalition gains 76 seats (a majority) in the House of Representatives

Question 2

What are the various forms of government and their features?

Answer 2

A parliament can also be hung – neither party forms a majority. In this case, minor parties or independents can support a party and leads to the party forming government. A party can also be in the minority and still win. If it has fewer seats than the opposition but has the support of more crossbenchers and other minor parties then they can still win an election

Question 3

How is the House of Reps seated?

Answer 3

The House is split informally into backbenchers and frontbenchers. Backbenchers are newer and less experienced MPs, and frontbenchers are more experienced. The long row of seats at the very front is for the cabinet

Question 4

How many members of the senate are there, and how are they distributed?

Answer 4

72 members - 12 from each state