Government
What are the three levels of government
Local, State, Federal
What are the three branches of Government and their responsibilities?
Hint: Separation of Powers
Judiciary: Power to make judgements on law
Parliament: power to make and change laws
Executive: Power to put law into action
What are concurrent powers?
Concurrent powers are areas shared between the federal and state governments such as taxation and marriage but if conflict arises federal law prevails.
What is a referendum?
A referendum is a national vote to change the Australian constitution
Where was Miss J born?
Johannesburg, South Africa
Describe the structure and function of the local government
Structure: The local government, some times known as a council, are made up of elected officials and can vary in size.
Function: The local government is responsible for community needs and services such as town planning, waste disposal, maintaining parks/libraries and local road maintenance
Describe the Westminister Parliamentary System
The Westminster Parliamentary system is used in Australia and consists of a head of state, elected parliament, political parties, a Prime Minister, a ministry and an independent judiciary.
This is also known as Responsible Government.
Describe section 51 of the Australian Constituion
Section 51 of the Australian Constitution sets out the legislative power of the federal government. It gives the federal government the right to legislate on peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth. These are known as exclusive powers. Any remaining powers are taken over by the states and are known as residual powers.
What is a plebiscite? Give an example
A plebiscite is a national vote to decide a question that does not affect the constitution.
1916 and 1917 about the support for conscription during WW2
What is Miss J's go to coffee order?
Vanilla iced latte on lactose free milk
Describe the structure and function of the State government
Structure: Typically, the state government consists of a lower and upper house, except for QLD which is unicameral.
Function: State governments handle matters not specifically assigned to the federal government such as education, health services, state roads, public transport and law enforcement
Describe a representative goverment
A representative government is where the members of parliament have been voted by citizens in their electorate or states. The idea is that those elected represent the values of their electors.
Describe section 109 of the Australian Constitution.
If a state was to pass a law different from a law passed by the Commonwealth, this inconsistency is resolved by section 109, which states that 'when a law of a state is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth, the latter shall prevail, and the former shall to the extent of the inconsistent be invalid.
What are the 3 challenges for a referendum?
1. The HoR and Senate must approve the change. This is called bipartisan.
2. Must achieve double majority
3. The way is it presented to the public
How many ear piercings does Miss J have?
17
Describe the structure and function of the federal government
Structure: The federal government is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate
Function: The federal government is responsible for issues that affect all Australians such as postal services, telecommunication, money, immigration and deference
Describe responsible government
The concept of responsible government refers to a system of governance in which the government, specifically the executive branch, is accountable to the elected legislature, and it can only remain in power if it maintains the confidence of the legislature.
The Governor General has a range of responsibilities given to them in the constitution. Explain their role in giving Royal Assent to Bills.
Under section 58, after a bill has been passed by the HoR and Senate, it is presented to the Governor-General. They may declare that they assent to the Bill in the Kings name, withhold consent or reserve the Bill for the Kings consideration
*write this down on your flash cards :)*
Define double majority
This is where is must pass with double majority. If majority of voters in majority of states and a majority of voters across the whole country as a whole vote ‘yes’ to the proposed change the referendum has been successful
True or False: When I was in grade 6 my dad surprised me with a female cat, which I named Roxy. While at the Vet, the Dr was checking her and said he may need to change her name because she was actually a he. We then named him Hugo.
True
True or False: The Australian Constitution outlines the laws the federal government can legislate on. Can the state government legislate on areas no listed?
True
Define absolute majority
If the government has more than half of all members elected to the parliament, they have absolute majority.
The Governor General has a range of responsibilities given to them in the constitution. Explain their role in ordering elections.
The Governor General is given the responsibility to formally issues writs for federal elections, ensuring the democratic process is enacted. The Governor General does not independently choose when Australians will vote, this is chosen on the advice of the Prime Minister.
•s51 gives the Commonwealth Parliament power to make laws with respect to external affairs
•External affairs = gives power to the Commonwealth to implement international treaties and manage relationships with other nations.
•The Commonwealth government had signed an international treaty (World Heritage Convention) that created international obligations to protect listed heritage
Miss J has had 4 fines in her life, what were they for?
2x speeding
1x red light
1x parking