Key Features of Westminster system

Question 1

Why has Australia adopted the
Westminster System?

Answer 1

Style of government that Australia
has adopted due to its historical ties with Britain.

Question 2

Why is the Westminster System
called ‘responsible government’?

Answer 2

• The Westminster System is also known as “responsible government”.
• The concept of a government being responsible and accountable to
  Parliament and through Parliament, to the people.

Question 3

What are the six key
features of the
Westminster System?

Answer 3

1. A monarch as head of state – represented by the Governor-General.
2. An elected Parliament, made up of two houses (bicameral).
3. A government is formed by the political party or coalition that has majority support in
   the Lower House of Parliament and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
4. A cabinet, drawn from government members of Parliament.
5. An independent judiciary.
6. Unelected, non-political professional civil servants.

Question 4

What role does the monarch
play in Australian government?

Answer 4

The monarch’s role is mainly ceremonial and through the
Governor-General exercises little real power, except in rare
circumstances.

Question 5

What is the role of the
elected parliament in
Australian government?

Answer 5

Roles of the elected parliament are :
* To represent the views and beliefs of the people in their electorate.
* To make laws based on those views and beliefs.

Question 6

How is government
formed?

Answer 6

Government is formed by the party or coalition of parties that has
majority support in the House of Representatives.

Question 7

How does the Prime
Minster get the job?

Answer 7

• By convention, is the person who is the leader of the party or
  coalition with majority support in the House of Representatives.

Question 8

What is the role of the cabinet
in Australian government?

Answer 8

The role of cabinet is to discuss solutions to national problems and to present
bills prepared by government departments to the Parliament.

Question 9

What is the role of the
independent judiciary in
Australia?

Answer 9

• The role of the judiciary is to interpret and apply laws impartially and fairly, both for leaders and
  other citizens

Question 10

What is the role of the public
service in Australian government?

Answer 10

The role of public servants is implementation of government policy,
administration of laws, public policy, and public services of the departments
and executive and statutory agencies of the Government of Australia.