Separation of Powers
What are the three branches of government in Australia?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
What is a Bill of Rights?
A document that protects the rights and freedoms of citizens.
What is global justice?
Fairness and protection of rights at an international level.
What is statute law?
Law made by Parliament.
What are the two houses of Federal Parliament?
House of Representatives and Senate
Which branch of government makes the law?
Legislative (Parliament)
Does Australia have a national constitutional Bill of Rights?
No
Name one international agreement Australia is part of.
United Nations
Paris Climate Agreement
Refugee Convention
What is common law?
Law made by judges through court decisions (precedent).
Which party forms government?
The party (or coalition) with majority support in the House of Representatives.
Which branch interprets and applies the law?
Judicial
Name one argument FOR a Bill of Rights in Australia.
Protects minorities
Limits government power
Strengthens human rights protection
What is the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
To prosecute serious international crimes like war crimes and genocide.
What is precedent?
A legal principle established in a previous case that is followed in future similar cases.
What is the role of the Senate?
To review and vote on legislation.
Why is separation of powers important in a democracy?
It prevents one branch from becoming too powerful and protects democracy.
Name one argument AGAINST a Bill of Rights.
Gives too much power to judges
Parliament already protects rights
Reduces parliamentary sovereignty
Why might Australia face tension between national interest and global obligations?
Because domestic policies (e.g., border control) may conflict with international agreements.
What does the rule of law mean?
Everyone is equal before the law and laws are applied fairly and consistently.
What is Royal Assent?
Formal approval by the Governor-General for a bill to become law.
It prevents one branch from becoming too powerful and protects democracy.
Courts can declare laws invalid
Parliament can remove judges (in rare cases)
Executive must follow laws made by Parliament
Which Western democracy does NOT have a constitutional Bill of Rights?
Australia
Give an example of how global pressure has influenced Australian law.
Climate policy
Human rights reforms
Environmental protection laws
Why might two people receive different sentences for similar crimes?
Prior criminal record
Circumstances of offence
Judicial discretion
Why is parliamentary debate important in law-making?
Ensures laws are scrutinised
Encourages representation
Promotes accountability