Power to influence law making

Question 1

Define Individuals

Answer 1

A person acting independently in their own interest or in the public’s interest.
Examples include a backbencher or independents in Parliament.

Question 2

Define Political Parties

Answer 2

An organised group that seeks to achieve representation in parliament and to exert influence and control over the machinery of government (by forming government in HOR or holding the balance of power in the Senate).

Question 3

Define Pressure Groups

Answer 3

An organised association of individuals that attempt to influence public policy either to change or maintain it, to the benefit of their own members or in the public interest.

Question 4

How does Parliament make laws?

Answer 4

First House - House of Representatives:
• First reading
• Second reading
• Consideration in Detail
• Third reading
Second House - Senate:
• First Reading
• Second reading
• Consideration in Detail or Committee of the Whole
• Third reading
If Senate makes amendments the bill transitions back to the House for approval.
Assent by GG. 
Proclamation

Question 5

How can individuals seek to influence law making in Parliament

Answer 5

• Standing for election
• submissions to parliamentary committees or inquiries
• lobbying members of parliament directly

Question 6

How can individuals seek to influence law making in Court

Answer 6

Launching cases in court:
• Challenge administrative decisions of departments
• Common law precedent
• Constitutionality of legislation

Question 7

How can individuals seek to influence law making through other means than the Parliament or courts

Answer 7

Individuals may choose to join political parties or pressure groups in an attempt to achieve their goals.

Question 8

How can pressure groups seek to influence lawmaking in Parliament

Answer 8

• lobbying
• petitions
• letters to MPs
• submissions to parliamentary inquiries or committees

Question 9

How can pressure groups seek to influence lawmaking in the courts

Answer 9

Legal challenges

Question 10

How can pressure groups seek to influence lawmaking in other ways outside Parliament and courts

Answer 10

• Strikes
• political strikes
• letters to the editor
• electoral pressure
• affiliations with other pressure groups

Question 11

How can individuals have a direct impact on the legislative process in the HOR/Senate

Answer 11

• Legislation - Voting on bills
• Serving and voting on committees of the parliament
• Voting on appropriation bills

Question 12

How do courts make law

Answer 12

• Sections 71, 73, 75, 76
• Common law - evolves from precedent in common law cases or statutory interpretation
• Constitutional interpretation