Levels of Government
This level of government looks after community needs like local roads, rubbish collection, and pet registration.
What is local government?
The lowest court in the Australian system, where most minor criminal and civil cases begin.
What is the Magistrates Court?
This is the set of rules that outlines how Australia is governed and how laws are made.
What is the Australian Constitution?
A group of people who share political beliefs and aim to form government.
What is a political party?
This level of government is responsible for hospitals, schools, and public transport.
What is state government?
This court handles family-related disputes, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.
What is the Family Court?
A national vote used to decide whether to change the Constitution.
What is a referendum?
A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
What is a representative democracy?
This level of government deals with national issues such as defence, immigration, and foreign affairs.
What is federal government?
This state court deals with more serious criminal offences like armed robbery and serious civil matters.
What is the District Court?
Laws passed by Parliament are known as this.
What is legislation?
These define which level of government or court has the legal authority to make decisions about certain matters.
What are jurisdictions?
The leader of Australia’s federal government.
Who is the Prime Minister?
The highest court in each state or territory, hearing major criminal trials and appeals.
What is the Supreme Court?
To change the Constitution, a referendum must achieve both a national majority and a majority in at least four states.
What is a double majority?
The principle that gives Australian citizens the right to vote and have a say in how the country is run.
What is democratic participation?
These senior members of Parliament, chosen by the Prime Minister, are responsible for running government departments.
Who are Cabinet ministers?
Australia’s highest court, which interprets the Constitution and settles disputes between states or governments.
What is the High Court of Australia?
This principle divides government power into three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — to prevent abuse of power.
What is the separation of powers?
The High Court uses this document to decide whether state or federal laws are valid under Australian law.
What is the Australian Constitution?