Introduction to Australian government

Question 1

What are 3 ways that
Australia’s type of
government could be
described?

Answer 1

1. Representative Democracy
2. Constitutional Monarchy
3. Federation

Question 2

What is the difference
between direct and
representative
democracy?

Answer 2

In a direct democracy, people decide on policies directly. In a representative democracy, citizens choose candidates to represent
them in a parliament and decide on policies.

Question 3

When is it ‘easier’ to have a
representative democracy?

Answer 3

Make it easier to
govern when there is a large population.

Question 4

Explain the
difference between
an absolute
monarch and a
constitutional
monarch.

Answer 4

In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has complete power over all sections of government. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch does not have
absolute power—they must follow the country’s constitution.

Question 5

What different roles do the three levels of government
have?

Answer 5

• Federal (e.g.. taxes, international trade, money, immigration)
• State and Territory (e.g.. hospitals, schools, state police)
• Local (e.g.. Local roads, parks, parking, pet control)

Question 6

What are some
things which
underpin Australia’s
system of
government?

Answer 6

• A system based on ‘liberal’ and ‘democratic’ ideals
• A monarch as Head of State .
• A Prime Minister as Head of Government.
• Elected representatives who represent the needs and values of their
  electorates.
• 3 separate but equal branches of government – these are separated
  to create a system of checks and balances.

Question 7

When did the Australian constitution ‘come
into effect’?

Answer 7

1 January 1901

Question 8

What are the three
branches of
government called?

Answer 8

Legislature
Executive
Judiciary

Question 9

Identify some differences between the
Senate and the House of Representatives

Answer 9

Senate:
“The Upper House”
“The House of
Review”
76 members in total
12 from each state
2 from each
territory

House of Representatives:
“The Lower House”
“The People’s House”
“The House of
Government”
* 151 members
* About 150 000
people in each
electorate
* Average 105 000
voters in each
electorate

Question 10

What is the ‘highest’ court in Australia called?

Answer 10

High Court of Australia