U4AOS1A - Parliament & Constitution Flashcards
1
Q
Define Australian Constitution
A
- A set of rules and principles
- Guide the way Australia is governed
- Set out in the Commonwealth of Australia Consitution Act
2
Q
Define constitutional monarchy
A
- A system of government
- Monarch is the head of the state
- Constitution sets out the powers of the parliament
3
Q
Define Federation
A
- Union of sovereign states
- Gave up some of their powers to a central authority to form Australia
4
Q
Define government
A
- The ruling authority with the power to govern
-
Formed by political party/ies (coalition)
- Holds the majority in the lower house in each parliament
- Members of parliament that belong to this political party form the government
5
Q
What is the High Court?
A
- The ultimate court of appeal in Australia
- Has the authority to hear and determine disputes arising under Australian Constitution
6
Q
What is parliament?
A
- A formal assembly of representatives of people
- Elected by the people
- Gathers to make laws
7
Q
Define representative democracy
A
- A system of government
- All eligible citizens vote to elect who will…
- Represent them in parliament
- Make laws
- Govern on their behalf
8
Q
Define rule of law
A
-
Principle that everyone in society…
- Is bound by law
- Must obey the law
- Laws should be fair and clear
- Makes people willing and able to obey them
9
Q
What is common law?
A
- Law made by judges
- Decisions made in cases
- AKA case law or judge-made law
10
Q
What is statute law?
A
- Law made by parliament
- AKA Acts of Parliament or legislation
11
Q
What are the Houses of Commonwealth Parliament?
A
- Upper - Senate
- Lower - House of Representatives
- King’s Representative - Governor-General
12
Q
Describe the Senate
A
- Consists of 76 elected members
- Each state elects 12 representatives
- Both Territories elect 2 each
- Each Senator elected for 6 years; half elected every 3
- Senate CANNOT initiate money bills
13
Q
What is the Senate’s role in law-making?
Remember 2 in detail
A
-
House of Review
- Passed through HoR, Senate is next to review
- Can insist on changes before they accept
- Allow for equal representation of states
- Equal representatives from each 6 states
- Important for smaller states to be heard
- Section 7 of the Constitution provides that the Senate should have equal representation from each state regardless of its size or population to protect the interests of the states
NOTE : Do not have to remember these exact two, as long as you know another two in detail
14
Q
Describe the House of Representatives
A
- Sometimes referred to as “the people’s house” as it reflects the current opinion of the people at an election
- Party who holds the majority of seats in this House form the Australian Government, their leader becomes Prime Minister
-
151 members
- Each member represents an electoral division of Australia and holds their position for 3 years
15
Q
What is the House of Representatives’ role in law-making?
Remember 2 in detail
A
-
Scrutinise government administration
- Ministers must be members of parliament
- Expected to be answerable and accountable for their decisions, policies and actions (Responsible Government)
- Upheld by enabling members to question ministers about their policies and legislative mandate during question time
- Gov. decisions and policies can also be investigated and scrutinised through committees
-
Control government expenditure
- Bill must pass through both houses of parliament before a government can collect taxes or spend money
- Only house that can introduce money bills
NOTE : Do not have to remember these exact two, as long as you know another two in detail