The Role Of The House Of Representatives Flashcards
6 roles
Initiate and make Laws Determine the government Provide responsible government Represent the people Publicise and scrutinise government administration Control government expenditure
Initiate and make Laws
The main function of the House of Representatives is to initiate and make new laws. New laws are usually introduced to the House by the government, although any member may introduce a proposed law (Bill). Bills must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate for a law to be made. Bills may also be initiated in the Senate.
Determine the government
After an election, the political party (or coalition of parties) that has the most members in the House of Representatives forms government, or in the case of a hung parliament has the promise of enough votes to defeat a no-confidence motion and to pass important legislation, such as supply Bills.
Provide responsible government
Ministers are responsible to parliament and therefore to the people. They may present petitions from citizens and raise citizens’ concerns and grievances in debate. If the government loses the support of the lower house it must resign.
Represent the people
The House of Representatives plays a role in forming a representative government. Members are elected to represent the people and are given authority to act on behalf of the people. The House of Representatives should represent the interests of the majority of people. The proposed laws introduced to the House of Representatives should reflect the views and values of the majority of the community.
Publicise and scrutinise government administration
It is the role of the House of Representatives to publicise the policies of government, to make sure that legislation is debated, matters of public importance are discussed, and members of parliament are able to ask the government and ministers questions relating to their work and responsibilities. Committees also investigate proposed laws.
Control government expenditure
A Bill must be passed through both houses of parliament before a government is able to collect taxes or spend money. Expenditure is also examined by parliamentary committees.
