Unit 4 AOS 2

Question 1

Parliament as a law-making body

Answer 1

STRENGTHS:

• representative nature of parliament (elections, house of reps represent electorates, senate represent states).
• non-hostile/rubber stamp senate should allow for the effective scrutiny of bill.
• voting along party lines allows government to implement its legislative agenda.

WEAKNESSES:

• lack of scrutiny to the formality of Royal Assent.
• voting along party lines
• Senate blocking government bills (hostile senate) may prevent them from implementing their legislative program.
• Only 2 members per territory (unrepresentative)
• Desire to remain in power may prevent parliament from passing unpopular but necessary legislation. E.g. Climate change, immigration.

Question 2

Factors that affect the ability of parliament to make law

Answer 2

• The roles of the houses of parliament
• The representative nature of parliament
• Political pressures
• Restrictions on the law-making powers of parliament

Question 3

The roles of the houses of parliament

Answer 3

Lower house’s ability to help parliament create law:

Strengths:

• Government holds majority of seats, allowing government introduced legislation to easily pass easily through HOR.
• Second reading stage allows for effective scrutiny.

Weaknesses:

• If there is a minority government (i.e. Gillard government 2010) the government may need make compromises to pass legislation.
• Bills must be passed by majority of members in both houses.

Upper house’s ability to help parliament to create law:

Strengths:

• MP’s often vote along party lines, aiding in passing government bills.
• Represents regional interests effectively.

Weaknesses:

• Hostile Senate.
• Rubber Stamp senate
• Bills must be passed by majority of members in both houses
• If a small minority parties or cross benchers hold a disproportionately large balance of power, representative parliament may not be achieved.