SAC #4 (outcome 2B) Definitions Flashcards
Bill of rights.
A document that sets out individual democratic and human rights.
Constitution.
The ‘Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (UK)’ which can into force on 1 January 1901.
A set of rules or principles guiding the way the nation is governed.
> States have their own separate Constitutions.
Division of powers.
The way in which law-making powers are divided between the Commonwealth and the states.
Double majority.
The requirement in the process of changing the Constitution through a referendum - where there is a majority of ‘yes’ voters in the whole of Australia and in the majority of states.
Federation.
A union of sovereign states that relinquish some powers to a central authority to form one nation.
Heads of power.
The 40 areas of law-making power listen in S51 of the Constitution.
Referral of power.
The giving or returning of law-making power from a State to the Commonwealth Parliament.
Representative government.
Refers to a government that represents the views of a majority of people.
Responsible government.
Refers to where the executive government is accountable to parliament, and can only continue to govern as long as it has the support of the lower House of Parliament.
If government loses the support of the lower house then it must resign.
Who is a part of the executive government?
- PM.
- Senior ministers.
- Government departments.
Separation of powers.
Refers to the fact that there are three separate types of powers in our parliamentary system (legislative, judiciary and executive) to ensure that no one body can obtain absolute power.
Referendum.
A vote of the people in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal to change the words in the Constitution.
