Divison of Powers
What are the three levels of government in Australia?
Federal, State, Local
What does “bicameral” mean in Australia’s government?
It means the Parliament has two houses or chambers.
What are the three branches of government.
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
What is a referendum?
A national ' Yes'/'No' vote where Australian citizens decide if a change should be made to the Constitution.
What did the 1967 referendum ask Australians to vote on?
Whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be counted in the census (as part of the population) and whether the federal government should be allowed to make laws for them.
When did the Australian Constitution come into effect?
1 January 1901 - when the six colonies of Australia came together to form a new united nation (federation).
Which level of government is responsible for local parks and libraries?
Local
What are the names of the two houses in the Australian Parliament, and which one is the upper house and which is the lower house?
The two houses of the Australian Parliament are the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).
What are the main responsibility of each branch of government?
Legislative - make and change laws
Executive - put laws into action
Judiciary - interpret and apply laws
Who can vote in a referendum?
All Australian citizens aged 18 or older who are enrolled to vote.
What was the goal of the 2023 Voice referendum?
To create a permanent advisory body that could give the Parliament advice on matters that impact Indigenous peoples and communities.
What are key features of the Australian Constitution?
It is a legal document that outlines how Australia is governed, including the powers of branches of government (federal and state) and division of powers (federal/state responsbilities).
Name two responsibilities of the state government.
Education, Hospitals, Transport, Police, and any other relevant answers
What is the main roles of the Senate?
To review and check laws proposed by the House of Representatives. To represent the interest of the States (and territories).
Who are members of both the legislative and executive branches of government?
Prime Minister
Cabinet Ministers
Other Ministers
Gover-General
What is the double majority rule?
A majority of votes across Australia (more than 50%)
A majority of votes (more than 50%) in at least four of six states.
What were the results of each referendum?
1967 - One of the most successful referendums in history - 90% of eligible Australians and all the states voted "Yes" - one section changed, and one removed.
Voice to Parliament - 40% 'Yes' and 60% 'No' - did not have a majority in any of the states. - no change
What is the role of the Governor-General in Australia?
The Governor-General represents the King, gives Royal Assent (final approval) to laws, and performs ceremonial duties like representing Australia at national and international events.
What level of government manages the Australian Defence Force? Why?
Federal. Defence is a national issue that affects all states and requires coordination across the country.
What are two main functions of the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament?
It introduces and debates bills, and the majority party forms the government.
Why is separation of powers important in Australia?
It prevents any one group from having too much power and ensures checks and balances between branches.
Why is the double majority rule important?
It ensures that both the overall population and individual states agree to the change, making the process fair and balanced. It is difficult, which is important because the Constitution is the highest level of law in Australia.
What does the 1967 referendum and the Voice to Parliament have in common?
Both focused on improving recognition and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Focused on improving their lives.
Compare and contrast rules and laws.
Similarity:
Both rules and laws guide people’s behaviour and help maintain order.
Differences:
Rules are made by organisations like schools or clubs and only apply in those settings.
Laws are made by the government and apply to everyone in society.
Breaking a rule usually leads to minor consequences (like detention or being banned from a club).
Breaking a law can lead to serious penalties like fines or imprisonment.
How is the division of powers established in Australia? Does this division include all levels of government or just some?
It is established by the Australian Constitution, which sets out the law-making powers for the federal government and the states. This division only applies to these two levels of government, not to local governments.
Explain how the bicameral system helps ensure fair representation in Australia.
The bicameral system in Australia helps ensure fair representation by giving the House of Representatives seats based on population and the Senate equal representation to each state, preventing larger states from dominating. This structure balances the interests of both people and states, making sure laws benefit the whole country.
Give two examples of how one branch of government can "check" another branch.
Judicial checks both:
Courts can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution or legal rights.
Legislative checks Executive:
Parliament can question ministers during question time and hold them accountable
What are the six steps for the referendum?
What are two major differences between the 1967 and Voice referendums?
The 1967 referendum aimed to remove discriminatory sections from the Constitution that excluded Indigenous Australians from being counted in the population and denied the federal government power to make laws for them.
The Voice referendum aimed to add a new section to the Constitution to create a permanent Indigenous advisory body that could give advice to Parliament and government on laws and policies affecting Indigenous communities.
Who is the head of state and head of government in Australia? (Position & Name)
Head of State - King of England - Charles III (represented by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn)
Head of Government - Prime Minster - Anthony Albanese.