Key Terms
This type of democracy involves citizens voting directly on laws and policies
Direct
This is the minimum requirement for joining most Australian political parties.
Australian Citizenship
This voting system is used to elect members of the House of Representatives.
Preferential
This many senators represent each state in the Australian Senate.
12
This person is the current Prime Minister of Australia.
Anthony Albanese
This document sets out the rules by which Australia is governed.
Constitution
This term describes a political party's set of beliefs and goals.
Party Platform
The party or coalition with this in the House of Representatives forms government.
Majority of Seats
This voting system is used to elect senators.
Proportional.
This is how cabinet ministers are typically selected.
Appointment by the Prime Minister
This principle ensures that decisions are made based on the wishes of the majority.
Majority Rule
This conservative party is currently in coalition with the Liberal Party.
The Nationals
Explain what a 'hung parliament' is
Occurs when no party has a majority in the House of Representatives.
This is the primary role of the Senate in the Australian political system.
Review & amend legislation.
This person is the head of state in Australia.
Queen/King (Monarch)
A political ideal that all people and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers and leaders.
The Rule of Law
This party focuses on environmental and social issues. Name the party & their leader
DAILY DOUBLE
Greens & Adam Bandt
This group becomes the official opposition in parliament.
The party with the second highest number of seats
This refers to the minimum percentage of votes a candidate needs to be elected to the Senate.
Quota
This group of government officials is responsible for implementing policies and managing government departments.
Ministers
This term refers to the authority given by voters to a party or candidate to carry out their policies.
Mandate
Explain an Independent
These elected officials do not belong to any political party.
This determines the number and boundaries of electorates.
Australian Electoral Commission
Explain what influence independents & minor parties can have in the Senate and why.
They hold the balance of power, allowing them to negotiate changes or block bills, especially in a context where no single party has a majority. Their presence ensures a diverse representation of political views, enabling them to highlight issues that may be overlooked by major parties and participate actively in the legislative process through committee work and public discourse.
Explain how Separation of Powers is not fully upheld in Australia.
PM, Ministers, and GG members of both exec and leg branch (responsible for making laws & applying them)