Glossary - U Flashcards
Ultra Vires
Ultra vires literally means ‘outside its powers’. Legislation passed by the Australian Parliament, for example, may be declared ultra vires or outside the powers conferred on it by the Australian Constitution.
Unanimous Verdict
A trial verdict where all jury members agree to the guilt of the accused. (Majority Vote)
Underdog Effect
Increased support during the course of an election campaign for the party that is trailing in the polls. The underdog effect is generally a ‘protest vote’ against the incumbent government, but it may be strong enough to give the opposition victory.
Unicameral Parliament
Unicameral parliaments have only one legislative house or chamber. Examples include Queensland, New Zealand and Scotland.
Uniform Tax Agreement
The agreement in 1942 that gave the Commonwealth authority for the administration and collection of income taxes in Australia. The Uniform Tax Agreement provided the Commonwealth with the capacity to finance its war effort in World War Two and avoid the inflationary impact of borrowings to finance increased expenditure during World War One. The states were compensated with grants. The agreement was the beginning of the Commonwealth’s monopoly of income tax collection in Australia.
Unitary System
Where a single national parliament makes laws for the entire country. There is no division of powers between a national government and regional governments. In unitary systems (such as France and New Zealand) the actual operation of some policy areas is delegated by the national government to local governments.
Urgency Motion
A motion moved in parliament that, if it has sufficient support, allows debate on the matter raised by the motion without requiring prior notice. At federal level the term specifically applies to the Senate. In the House of Representatives this is called a matter of public importance.
Usher of the Black Rod
An officer of the parliament who assists the President of the upper house. The Usher of the Black Rod has similar duties to the Sergeant-at-Arms in the lower house. In addition he acts for the Governor or Governor General when they attend parliament and he calls upon members of the parliament.
