GOVERNMENT & DEMOCRACY
What system of government allows citizens to participate in choosing their representatives?
Democracy
What is the name of the document that establishes the framework for Australia's system of government?
Australian Constitution
What are the three arms of government?
Legislature, executive and judiciary
What is a vote by Australians on a proposed change to the Constitution called?
Referendum
What does it mean when a Parliament is described as bicameral?
It has two houses.
Australia has a written document that establishes the structure and powers of the Commonwealth Parliament, executive government and courts. What is this document called?
The Australian Constitution
Which section of the Constitution contains many of the Commonwealth Parliament's specific legislative powers?
Section 51
What is Australia's highest court?
High Court of Australia
Which section of the Constitution establishes the process for changing the Constitution?
s 128
What are the two houses of the Commonwealth Parliament?
House of Representatives and Senate
What principle means that everyone, including governments, is subject to the law?
Rule of law
What does s 109 of the Constitution establish when a valid Commonwealth law is inconsistent with a state law?
The Commonwealth law prevails and the inconsistent state law is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency.
The Commonwealth and a state disagree about whether the Commonwealth had constitutional power to make a particular law. Which court can determine the constitutional dispute?
High Court of Australia
What is the name given to the requirement that a referendum must receive a national majority of voters and a majority of voters in a majority of states?
Double majority
What does it mean when a Parliament is unicameral?
It has one house.
What type of government exists when citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
Representative government
Section 44 of the Constitution identifies circumstances that can disqualify a person from being elected to or sitting in the Commonwealth Parliament. What is the general term for these restrictions?
Disqualifications from Parliament
Which arm of government makes laws?
Legislature
How many of Australia's six states must record a majority of votes in favour for a referendum to satisfy the state component of the double majority?
Four states
Which Australian state has a unicameral Parliament?
Queensland
What principle requires the executive government to be accountable to Parliament and maintain the confidence of the lower house?
Responsible government
A state passes a law that is inconsistent with a valid Commonwealth law. Under which section of the Constitution would the Commonwealth law prevail?
s 109
What principle divides government power between the legislature, executive and judiciary?
Separation of powers
A proposed constitutional amendment receives 55% of the national vote but gains a majority in only three states. Does it pass? Explain why.
No. It fails because it has not achieved the double majority: a national majority and a majority in at least four of the six states.
What is the role of the Governor-General when a bill has passed both houses of the Commonwealth Parliament?
The Governor-General provides Royal Assent, allowing the bill to become law.