Definitions
What is the Australian Constitution?
This is the set of rules that explains how Australia's government works.
What is the Legislative branch?
This branch of government makes and changes laws
What is the Executive branch?
This branch carries out and enforces Australia's laws.
What is the Judicial branch?
This branch interprets laws and settles legal disputes.
What is an election
Australian citizens aged over 18 can vote in local, state and federal elections to decide who will represent them in government.
What is representative democracy?
This type of democracy allows people to elect others to make decisions on their behalf.
What is Parliament House?
This building in Canberra is where Australia's federal Parliament meets.
Who is the Prime Minister?
This person leads the Australian Government and the Cabinet.
Who are judges?
These people decide cases by applying the law
Name one way citizens can participate in democracy besides voting.
Contacting an MP, signing a petition, protesting, volunteering for organisations.
What is a referendum?
This is the process Australians use to vote on changing the Constitution.
What are the House of Representatives and the Senate?
These two houses make up the Australian Parliament.
What is the Cabinet?
This group of senior ministers helps make important government decisions.
What is the High Court of Australia?
This is Australia's highest court.
Why is civic participation important
By participating in government, citizens can influence what government does, to best represent their interests.
What is the separation of powers?
This principle divides government into three branches so no one group has too much power.
What is a bill?
Before becoming a law, a proposed law is called this.
Who is the Governor-General?
This representative of the King appoints the Prime Minister and gives Royal Assent.
What is the law?
The Judicial branch helps make sure everyone is treated equally under this.
Why are elections important?
To prevent the wrong people from being in government too long, and so that citizens have a say in their government.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
Australia has this type of government because it has both a monarch and a democratic system.
Who is the Governor-General?
This person officially gives Royal Assent so a bill becomes law.
Name three jobs of the Executive branch.
Enforcing laws, managing government departments and developing government policy.
Why is it important that judges are independent from Parliament and the Executive?
Because they can make fair decisions without political pressure, and to ensure separation of powers.
Explain why it is important for citizens to participate in Australia's democracy.
Because it helps governments represent the people, improves decision-making, and keeps leaders accountable.