The Commonwealth Parliament (law-making)

Question 1

What is the Aus Constitution?

Answer 1

A set of rules and principles that establishes the nature, functions, powers, duties and limits of the government.

Question 2

What does the Commonwealth Parliament consist of?

Answer 2

• the King (represented by the Governor-General)
• the Senate (the upper house)
• the House of Representatives (the lower house).

Question 3

What is the house of representatives?

Answer 3

• The House of Representatives is the lower house, sometimes referred to as the ‘people’s house’. (as elected member is expected to represent views and interests of those in electorate)

Question 4

How many members are in the house of reps?

Answer 4

151 members, each representing one electorate in Australia.

Question 5

Features of the house of reps:

Answer 5

The political party, or coalition of parties, that achieves the majority of members elected to the House of Representatives becomes the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister. (who then appoints gov. ministers)

The party with the next highest number of elected members becomes the opposition. (who then appoints shadow ministers to keep check on and scrutinize activities of corresponding gov minister)

Question 6

Role of the house of reps in law-making:

Answer 6

• initiate and make laws (proposed laws are called bills)- takes up most time as debating and scrutinizing bills is a long process)
• determine the government (majority forms gov)
• act as a house of review (if bill introduced in Senate)
• control government expenditure (only this house can introduce money bills)
• represent the people (uphold rep. gov. -members elected to rep. people therefore reflecting their views and values)
• scrutinise government administration. (ministers expected to be answerable and accountable for their decisions, policies & actions) through question time or gov. committees
   

Question 7

Where are most bills introduced and by who?

Answer 7

In the house of reps (but can be either) and introduced by gov. ministers usually introduce bills reflecting gov. policy.

When the bill is not introduced with authority of cabinet: private member’s bill

Question 8

What is the Senate?

Answer 8

The Senate is the upper house, sometimes referred to as the states’ house (as each Senator represents interests of state/territory) or house of review

Question 9

How many members in the Senate?

Answer 9

76 elected members (12 from each state, and two from each territory).

Question 10

The role of the Senate in law-making:

Answer 10

• act as a house of review (majority of bills are initiated in the lower house)
• allow for equal representation of the states (Section 7 of the Constitution- protects interests of smaller states)
• initiate bills (not money bills)
• scrutinize bills and government administration (no. of committees that can scrutinize legislation & also during question time)