Key Principles
This branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws in most democratic systems
What is the "judicial branch"?
How many houses does the Australian Parliament consist of?
What are "two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate"?
In Australia, what document safeguards individual rights and freedoms?
What is the "Australian Constitution"?
What term refers to the stage when a proposed law is presented in Parliament?
What is the "first reading of the bill"?
What system is primarily used in Australian courts where parties present their cases before an impartial judge?
What is "the adversarial system"?
What is the rule of law?
What is 'the principle that all citizens are equal before the law'?
What is an electorate.
What is 'a geographical area representated by a member of parliament'
In Australia, who represents the citizens in the House of Representatives?
Who are "Members of Parliament (MPs) or elected representatives"?
Which specific powers are exclusive to the Australian federal government according to the Constitution?
What are "powers related to defense, foreign affairs, and trade between states"?
In which types of cases in South Australia might a jury trial be available?
What are "serious criminal cases"?
Explain the difference between political freedoms and equality of political rights.
How is government formed in the Australian System?
What is "the party or coalition which has a majority in the lower house'?
In Australia, what percentage of voters in what proportion of states is needed to change the Constitution?
What is "a double majority: a majority of voters nationally and a majority of states (at least four out of six states)"?
What term describes the process of a proposed law becoming an act of Parliament in Australia?
What is "the passage of a bill"?
Name one method of alternative dispute resolution used in civil cases in Australia.
What is "mediation, conciliation or arbitration"?
What is the role of the High Court in maintaining the separation of powers in Australia?
What is "interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between branches of government"?
Outline two ways in which the government can be held accountable.
What is' motion of no confidence, question time, censure motions'.
What is 'role of the judge, evidence standards, burden of proof, standard of proof, role of the parties'
Name one advantage of delegated legislation in the Australian legal system.
What is "allowing for detailed and technical rules in specific areas without needing constant legislative changes"?
What is the role of a jury in a trial?
What is "to assess evidence and reach a verdict based on the facts presented in court"?
What is 'There are no legal restraints preventing
a ‘popular government’ based on majority rule
from persecuting unpopular minorities. May be
also termed an ‘illiberal democracy’.'
What mechanism ensures the accountability of the Australian government to the Parliament?
What is "question time where ministers are questioned by members of the Parliament"?
Name three elements of natural justice.
What is 'unbiased judge or jury, hearing both sides, evidence based decisions, open trials'
Explain the impact of the executive dominance of the legislative process?
What is 'increased efficiency, ability to respond to crisis'
or what is 'poorly drafted legislation' or what is 'decreased ability of the crossbench and other MP's to participate'?
hat is the primary purpose of using precedents in judicial decision-making?
What is "ensuring consistency and predictability in legal rulings"?