10.4 The Role of the Crown

Question 1

What are the three main roles of the Crown in law-making?

Answer 1

• granting royal assent
• withholding royal assent
• appointing the Executive Council

Question 2

What is royal assent?

Answer 2

The formal signing and approval of a bill by the Governor-General or the governor after which the bill becomes an Act of Parliament

Question 3

What is the Executive Council?

Answer 3

The governor-general is responsible for appointing the Executive Council. It comprises of the leader of the government and senior ministers

Question 4

What is the role of the Executive Council?

Answer 4

To give advice on government matters, and approve secondary legislation

Question 5

What is secondary legislation?

Answer 5

rules and regulations made by secondary authorities which are given the power to do so by parliament. The Queen’s representative takes advice from the prime minister or premier