PART 3 Government and the law in Australia

Question 1

what is the AEC

Answer 1

Australian Electoral Commission

Question 2

what does the AEC do?

Answer 2

conducting federal elections and referendums, and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll.

Question 3

what is The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900

Answer 3

a legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia.

Question 4

what did the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 do

Answer 4

established the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, consisting of a House of Representatives, a Senate and high court.

Question 5

can the Australian people change the Australian Constitution?

Answer 5

yes, through voting in a referendum.

Question 6

names the 3 powers of government in Australia

Answer 6

1. Legislative - power to make laws (representatives of the people)
2. Executive - power to put laws into practice (ministers and government officials)
3. Judicial - power to interpret and apply the laws. (Courts and judges)

Question 7

Who is Australia’s Head of State?

Answer 7

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Question 8

who is the Queens representative

Answer 8

the Governor-General (David Hurley)

Question 9

what is the role of the governor-general

Answer 9

The Governor-General’s role includes:
• signing all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law (this is called Royal Assent)
• performing ceremonial duties
• approving the appointment of the Australian Government and its ministers, federal judges and other officials
• starting the process for a federal election
• acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defense Force.

Question 10

list the other 9 Australian leaders and their roles

Answer 10

Government minister
A Member of Parliament chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government

Member of Parliament (MP)
An elected representative of the people in the Governor Australian Parliament or a state parliament

Governor
The representative of the Head of State in each Australian state

Senator
An elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian parliament

Prime Minister
The Australian Parliament The leader of the Australian Government

Mayor or Shire President
Premier The leader of a local government

Premier
The leader of a state government

Councillor
An elected member of a local council

Chief Minister
The leader of a territory government

Question 11

what are the 2 houses in parliament

Answer 11

The house of representatives

The senate

Question 12

how many members are in each house

Answer 12

150 for the lower house (house of representatives)

76 for the upper house (the senate)

Question 13

what are 3 levels to government

Answer 13

1. the Australian
2. State and territory
3. local governments

Question 14

what is the Australian government responsible for?

Answer 14

taxation
national economic management
immigration and citizenship
employment assistance
postal services and the communications network
social security (pensions and family support)
defense
trade and commerce
airports and air safety
foreign affairs (relations with other countries).

Question 15

what are the state and territories primarily responsible for?

Answer 15

hospitals and health services
schools
roads and railways
forestry
police and ambulance service
public transport.

Question 16

what is the local government and Australian capital territory government responsible for?

Answer 16

street signs, traffic controls
local roads, footpaths, bridges
drainsparks, playgrounds, swimming pools, sports grounds
camping grounds and caravan parks
food and meat inspection
noise and animal control
rubbish collection
local libraries, halls and community centers
certain child-care and aged-care issues
building permits
social planning
local environmental issues.

Question 17

how are laws made?

Answer 17

If a member of the Australian Parliament proposes to introduce a new law or change an existing one, this proposal is called a ‘Bill’.

then

he House of Representatives and the Senate consider, debate and vote on whether they agree with the Bill.
If the majority of members in each House of Parliament agree to the Bill, it goes to the Governor-General.

then

The Governor-General signs a Bill so that it becomes law. This is called ‘Royal Assent’.