The UN and International Law
What does the acronym UN stand for?
United Nations
What type of democracy does Australia have?
Representative Democracy
What is the highest court in Australia?
The High Court of Australia
Which major global conflict prompted Australia's involvement in the founding of the UN?
World War II
What is the term for the system of laws that govern the rights and duties of citizens?
Civil law
In what year was the United Nations founded?
1945.
How many houses are there in Australia’s federal parliament?
Two (House of Representatives and Senate) Bicameral Government
What is the role of the judiciary in Australia's legal system?
To interpret and apply the law.
Australia is a member of which main UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security?
The UN Security Council
How often are federal elections held in Australia?
Every three years.
What is the main purpose of the UN's International Court of Justice?
To settle legal disputes between countries.
Who is the head of state in Australia and who is he represented by?
The Monarch (King Charles) represented by the Governor General.
What is common law?
Law that is developed through decisions made by judges in court cases (also known as case law)
What is the purpose of the United Nations General Assembly, and how does Australia participate in it?
The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN where all member states discuss and make decisions on international issues. Australia participates by voting on resolutions and contributing to discussions on global matters like security, development, and human rights.
What are the three arms of government in Australia?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
What is one international treaty that Australia has signed under the UN.
The Paris Agreement (or Universal Declaration of Human Rights, etc.)
The Convention on the Rights of a Child.
What is the name of the document the High Court interprets?
The Constitution.
What is the difference between criminal law and civil law in Australia?
Criminal law deals with offenses against the state, while civil law handles disputes between individuals or organisations.
Name one peacekeeping mission where Australian forces have been involved under the UN.
East Timor (or Solomon Islands, etc.)
Which document outlines the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens?
The Australian Constitution
How does the United Nations enforce international law, and what limitations does it face in doing so?
The UN enforces international law through bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and by imposing sanctions or authorizing peacekeeping missions.
How does the principle of federalism work in Australia, and how are powers divided between the federal and state governments?
Federalism in Australia means that powers are divided between the national (federal) government and the states.
Explain the concept of "precedent" in Australian common law.
Precedent refers to a legal principle or rule established in a previous case that is binding or persuasive in future cases with similar issues.
How does Australia contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Through foreign aid, environmental policies, and economic development programs.
What is the significance of Section 44 of the Australian Constitution, and how has it impacted Australian politicians?
Section 44 disqualifies individuals from being elected to Parliament if they hold dual citizenship, have a criminal conviction, hold a profitable office under the Crown, or have a financial conflict of interest.