Unit 4: Area of Study 1 - The People and the Australian Constitution Flashcards
The Australian Constitution
A set of rules and principles that guide the way Australia is governed
Structure of the Commonwealth Parliament
- The Queen: Represented by the Governor-General
- The Senate: The Upper House
- The House of Representatives: The Lower House
Why is the House of Representatives Known as the ‘People’s House’?
The House of Representatives reflects the majority of people at an Election, because the people determine which Party or Coalition should form Government
The Composition of the House of Representatives and Some Key Personnel Within
There are 151 seats. It is composed of:
- The Government: Holds the majority of seats
- The Opposition: Holds the next highest amount of seats
- The Independents and Minor Parties: Holds a small amount of seats
Why is the Senate Known as the ‘House of Review’ and/or the ‘State’s House’?
The Senate reviews laws that are initiated in the House of Representatives and balances State power so all States have the same number of votes, regardless of population
Composition of the Senate
- 76 Senators
- 12 per State
- 2 per Territory
Structure of the Victorian Parliament
- The Queen: Represented by the Governor of Victoria
- The Legislative Council: The Upper House
- The Legislative Assembly: The Lower House
Why is the Legislative Assembly the House Where the Majority of Bills Commence?
The Legislative Assembly is the Lower House where the Government is formed, therefore where most Bills begin
Why is the Legislative Council known as the ‘House of Review’?
The Legislative Council is the Upper House, which typically reviews the Bills that originate in the Legislative Assembly
Roles of the Senate in Law-Making (List 1)
- Reviews laws that are initiated in the House of Representatives
- Inspects Bills through the committee process
- Initiates and passes Bills
Roles of the House of Representatives in Law-Making (List 2)
- Initiates most Bills
- Determines the Government
- Provides a responsible Government
- Represents the people
- Initiates all Bills relating to Taxation or Commonwealth Revenue
- Represents the people in Law-Making
Roles of the Legislative Council in Law-Making (List 1)
- Acts as a ‘House of Review’
- Examines Bills through its Committees
- Initiates and passes Bills
Roles of the Legislative Assembly in Law-Making (List 2)
- Initiates and passes Bills
- Determines the Government
- Represents the people
- Controls Government Expenditure
The Crown and its Representatives at Commonwealth and State Levels?
- The Crown refers to the Queen and is represented by the:
- Governor-General: Commonwealth Level
- Governor of Victoria: State Level
The Crown’s Primary Responsibility in Australia
Grants Royal Assent to Bills, making them laws
Roles of the Crown in Law-Making (List 1)
- Granting Royal Assent
- Withholding Royal Assent
- Appointing Executive Council: Prime Minister and Senior Ministers
Roles of the Crown (Victorian Level) in Law-Making (List 1)
- Granting Royal Assent
- Withholding Royal Assent
- Appointing Executive Council: Premier and Senior Ministers
Division of Powers
- Residual Powers
- Concurrent Powers
- Exclusive Powers
Division of Powers: Residual Powers
Refers to powers not given to the Commonwealth Parliament under the Constitution, so therefore remain with the States
The Parliaments that Holds Residual Powers
State Parliaments
Areas of Residual Powers (List 2)
- Health
- Education
- Criminal law
- Police
- Public transport
Sections of the Constitution Where Residual Powers are Found
Sections 106, 107, 108
Division of Powers: Exclusive Powers
Refers to powers that are set out in the Constitution which only the Commonwealth Parliament can exercise
The Parliament that Holds Exclusive Powers
Commonwealth Parliament
Areas of Exclusive Powers (List 1)
- Defence Forces
- Currency
- Customs and border protection
Sections of the Constitution Where Exclusive Powers are Found
Sections 51, 52
Division of Powers: Concurrent Powers
Are powers in the Constitution that may be exercised by the Commonwealth and one or more of the State Parliaments
The Parliaments that Holds Concurrent Powers
Commonwealth and State Parliaments
Areas of Concurrent Powers (List 2)
- Trade
- Tax
- Marriage and Divorce
Section of the Constitution Where Concurrent Powers are Found
Section 51
Similarities Between Residual and Concurrent Powers (List 1)
- Both Powers are protected by the Constitution
- Both Powers can affect States
Differences Between Residual and Concurrent Powers (List 1)
- Residual Powers are not listed in the Constitution whereas Concurrent Powers are
- Residual Powers are held by State Parliaments whereas Concurrent Powers are held by both the States and the Commonwealth
Similarities Between Residual and Exclusive Powers (List 1)
- Both Powers are protected by the Constitution
- Both Powers can affect States
Differences Between Residual and Exclusive Powers (List 1)
- Residual Powers are held by State Parliaments whereas Exclusive Powers are held by the Commonwealth
- Residual Powers are not listed in the Constitution whereas Exclusive Powers are
Similarities Between Concurrent and Exclusive Powers (List 1)
- Both Powers are listed in the Constitution
- Both Powers are protected by the Constitution
- Both Powers can affect States
Differences Between Concurrent and Exclusive Powers
Exclusive Powers are held by the Commonwealth whereas Concurrent Powers are held by both the States and the Commonwealth
Description of Section 109 of the Constitution
When a State law is inconsistent with a Commonwealth law, the Commonwealth law will prevail
Case Relevant to Section 109 of the Constitution
The McBain Case
Significance of Section 109 of the Constitution
It is significant because if a State Parliament passes a law where there is a Commonwealth law, the Federal law will prevail over the State law, ensuring consistent approach to these problems
Disadvantages of Section 109 of the Constitution as Acting as a Check on Parliament in Law-Making (List 2)
- It doesn’t stop the laws being made
- It requires a High Court case to find the law invalid