U4 4.1.5 - Factors that effect the ability of Parliament to make law Flashcards
What are the three factors that effect the ability of Parliament to make laws?
The bicameral structure of parliament, the representative nature of parliament and international pressures
define: bicameral structure
a parliament with two houses
What is the purpose of using a bicameral structure?
it is a form of quality control to ensure the bill is in everyones best interest; second house double checks the bill and may suggest amendments; second house reviews proposed law to ensure there is no misuse of law making power
What is a hostile senate?
when the majority of members in the senate don’t belong to the same political party as the government
What does a hostile senate mean for law making?
-it can be more challenging to pass bills
-bills are reviewed more carefully
-can slow down the law making process
-can be politically motivated
What is a rubber stamp senate?
when the majority of members in the senate are the in the same political party as the government
What does a rubber stamp senate mean for law making?
-less scrutiny/debate/review of bills
-can make the law making process quicker
-bills may be passed into laws that aren’t in the best interest of Australians
define: international pressures
demands or forces applied to parliaments to persuade them to make or not make laws to address matters of international concern.
What are some areas of law that may provoke international pressures?
laws regarding: terrorism, LGBTQIA+, cyber safety, climate change/greenhouse gasses, global pandemics, wars
What are some sources of international pressure?
local activists, international activists, other countries, the UN, non-governmental organisations, large transnational corporations
representative nature of parliament
parliament and government consist of members who are elected by the people to make laws on their behalf. If the members don’t make laws that reflect majority community views and values they risk being voted out.
