Systems of Government Flashcards
What is Democracy?
a system of government that allows eligible citizens to decide legislation or elect representatives to do so for them.
How is Democracy used in Australia?
Australian citizens over 18 choose representatives to make decisions for them within government
What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
A system by which the monarch is the Head of State but must act in accordance with the constitution.
What is a Constitution?
A constitution is a set of rules and principles that set out the way a country is governed.
When was Australia’s Constitution created?
January 1st, 1901
What is the separation of powers?
The separation of powers is the power to govern Australia and is distributed between 3 branches; Parliament, Executive and Judiciary.
What is the main role of the Australian Government?
What is the structure of the Australian Government? How many members in each house?
House of Representatives:
- lower house
- 151 members – elected every 3 years
The Senate
- upper house
- 76 senators – 12 per state, 2 per territory
King
- currently king charles III
- doesn’t belong on a party
Who forms the parliament in Australia? What is their role?
- also known as legislature
- has power to make and change laws
- made up of two houses + the king
What is the law-making process in Australia’s parliament?
- bill goes through House of Representatives
- bill goes through the Senate
- governor general signs off on the bill
- bill is passed
What are parliament made laws called?
Statutes
What is the difference between parliament and government?
What is preferential voting? What is it used for?
how to vote for house of reps. voters number boxes for candidates according to preference. person with absolute majority wins (50+%)
What is proportional voting? What is it used for?
how to vote for the senate. allocates seats to candidates in proportion to votes made during an election. candidate must meet a quota then have preference.
What is the structure of the Victorian Parliament?
