Module 3 - Federalism

Question 1

Federalism

Answer 1

System of government where power is shared between a national government and other government units (federal and state/territory)

Question 2

S51 of the Constitution

Answer 2

Sets out the areas over which federal government has power to make laws (concurrent)

‘Heads of power’

Question 3

s52 of the Constitution

Answer 3

Sets out areas over which federal government has exclusive power (states can’t make laws in these areas)

Question 4

Federal division of power

Answer 4

Power divided btw commonwealth and state governments

Question 5

COAG

Answer 5

Council of Australian Governments

Question 6

Coordinate, cooperative and collaborative federalism

Answer 6

…theories of Federalism describing the relationship btw federal and state governments

In reality it is a mix of all 3, more cooperative

Question 7

Commonwealth Government

Answer 7

Australia’s national government

Question 8

Coordinate theory…

Answer 8

Clear division of responsibilities btw fed/state governments (each work on own areas)

Question 9

Cooperative theory

Answer 9

Fed/state gov work together towards agreed outcomes for mutual benefit

Question 10

Coercive theory

Answer 10

Fed gov applies pressure and powers expand into areas of state responsibility

Question 11

s109 of the Constitution

Answer 11

Ensures that if there is inconsistency btw commonwealth and state laws, commonwealth laws will prevail

Question 12

S51 heads of power includes laws with respect to

Answer 12

Trade and commerce
Taxation
Naval and military defence
Immigration
External affairs
Matters referred to parliament by state/s

Question 13

Strengths of federalism

Answer 13

Promotes health competition
Creates checks and balances
Better representation

Question 14

Weaknesses of federalism

Answer 14

Reduced stability
Confusion and duplication
Blame game
Unfair distribution of money from federal to state