Democracy
What does democracy mean?
A system of government where people have a say in how they are governed.
What is a bill?
A proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law.
What is the name of one of the two houses of Australia's federal Parliament that represents the people in electorates?
The House of Representatives.
What is the name of the other house of Australia's federal Parliament?
The Senate.
What is the Australian Constitution?
The document that sets out the basic rules and structure of Australia's system of government.
What type of democracy does Australia have, where people elect representatives to make decisions for them?
Representative democracy.
What are the two houses of federal Parliament that usually need to agree to a bill?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is a member of the House of Representatives called?
A Member of Parliament (MP).
What is a member of the Senate called?
A senator.
In what year did the Australian Constitution establish the Commonwealth of Australia?
1901.
How do Australian citizens choose their representatives in federal Parliament?
By voting in elections.
What happens when members of Parliament debate a bill?
They discuss the proposed law and consider whether it should be passed or changed.
What is an electorate?
A geographical area whose voters elect a representative.
How many senators does each Australian state elect?
12 senators.
What is a referendum?
A vote by eligible voters on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution.
Why is it important for people to vote in elections?
It allows people to choose representatives and have a say in how the country is governed.
What must happen if the House of Representatives and Senate agree to a bill?
It is presented to the Governor-General for Royal Assent.
Which party or group usually forms the Australian Government after a federal election?
The party or coalition that can command the support of a majority in the House of Representatives.
Why does Australia have a Senate as well as a House of Representatives?
To represent the states and territories and to review and scrutinise proposed laws.
What does the Constitution help determine about federal Parliament?
Its structure and the areas in which it can make laws.
What is one way people can participate in democracy besides voting?
They can contact their representatives, sign petitions, join peaceful protests or share their views on issues.
What is a bill called after it receives Royal Assent and becomes law?
An Act of Parliament.
What is the main role of the Speaker in the House of Representatives?
To chair meetings, maintain order and ensure parliamentary rules are followed.
How many senators are there in total in the Australian federal Parliament?
76 senators: 72 from the six states and 4 from the two mainland territories.
What special voting requirement generally applies for a proposed change to the Australian Constitution to succeed at a referendum?
A double majority: a majority of voters across Australia and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states.