Separation of Powers
What are the three branches of government in Australia?
Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary
What are the three levels of government?
Federal, State, Local
How often are federal elections held in Australia?
Every 3 years
What does the political spectrum represent?
A range of political beliefs from left to right.
Which branch is responsible for making and changing the law?
Legislative (Parliament)
Describe how Australia's Parliament is 'bicameral'
Australia has two houses (or chambers) for its Parliament - the House of Representatives & the Senate.
What is the main role of political parties and what is the main goal of the two major parties?
To represent citizens’ interests and form government.
What are two beliefs commonly associated with right-wing politics?
Emphasis on tradition and social hierarchy
Support for free markets with limited government intervention
Identify three common methods political parties use to influence voters during election time.
Public debates, social media campaigns, advertising
Describe the role of the Executive branch in Australia and its composition.
The Executive carries out and enforces laws (puts the laws into action); includes the Prime Minister, minister, and government departments.
What is the role of the Governor-General?
Represents the King, gives royal assent to laws, appoints the PM (after their party wins the majority of seats in the HOR), and performs ceremonial duties.
What are two beliefs commonly associated with left-wing politics?
Emphasis on social equality and government intervention to achieve it
Support for progressive social change and reforms
Why is the separation of powers important in a democracy?
It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures accountability.
Name two responsbilities for each level of government.
Federal - immigration, taxes, currency, defence, medicare
State - transport, education, hospitals, state roads, polic
Local - rubbish collection, sewerage, parks, local roads, libraries
Describe two purposes of preferential voting.
1) Allow voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates by numbering them in order of preference.
2) Ensures that the elected candidate is supported by an absolute majority (more than 50%) of voters.
3) Reduces vote wastage
No because we use the Westminister system, which means members of the Exectutive Branch (Prime Minister and their ministers) are drawn from (members of) and responsible to the legislative branch. As well, the Governor-General is a memer of both branches.
What are three features of Australia's political system?
1) multi-party system
2) constitional monarchy
3) representative democarcy
4) separation of powers
5) division of powers
Explain how a minority government forms, what other term is used to describe it, and one challenge it may face.
It forms when no party wins a majority, also called a hung parliament, the governing party must negotiate with others to pass laws-- this means it can be unstable.