U1 AOS1 - Commonwealth Parliament

Question 1

Parliament’s structure

Answer 1

The crown (Gov. Gen.)

House of Representatives Senate

Question 2

House of Representatives

Answer 2

• Comprised of:
  
  • 151 electoral divisions, each with about 110K voters in each
• Roles:
• Forms government (need 76+ seats)
• Holds the government accountable (opposition)
• Introduce + pass/reject proposed laws
• Represent people’s interest when debating/making laws

Question 3

Senate

Answer 3

• Comprised of:
  
  • 76 senators, with 12 from each state and 2 from the territories
• Roles:
  
  • Reviews bills passed by HoR
  • Ensures equal representation of each state
  • Introduce + pass proposed laws

Question 4

Statute law

Answer 4

• Parliament is the supreme lawmaking body in Australia
• Law made by parliament is called statute law, Acts of Parliament, or legislation
• Before bills can become laws they must be passed by both houses
• Once it passes, it is presented to the Gov. Gen. who gives royal assent, after which it is a law