Government and the Law in Australia Flashcards
(84 cards)
At the citizenship ceremony, you pledge to
uphold and obey the laws of Australia
How do you have your say in running the country
Voting and raising matters with your representatives
Citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote it _, _ and _
Federal, state and territory elections and referenda on constitutional change
Citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote it _, _ and _
Federal, state and territory elections and referenda on constitutional change
What does AEC stand for and what do they do
Australian Electoral Commission
Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums, and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll
Independent from the government. Political parties or people in government cannot influence the AEC
On what date were the colonies united into a federation of states called Commonwealth of Australia
1 January 1901
Each colony had its own _ and _
Constitution and laws
What is the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Australian Constitution)
Legal document that sets out basic rules for government in Australia
In what year was the Australian Constitution originally passed and on what date did it come into effect
Passed in 1900 as part of a British Act of Parliament
Came into effect on 1 January 1901
Making Australia an independent nation
What document established Parliament, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate, and also the High Court of Australia
Australian Constitution
How much of a majority is required on a referendum vote to change the constitution
Double majority vote, meaning the majority of voters in the majority of states AND the majority of voters across the nation
How is the power of government controlled (types of power)
Legislative power, executive power, judicial power
What is the legislative power
The power to make laws
Parliament has legislative power
What is executive power
The power to put laws into practice
The prime minister, Australian government ministers and the Governor General have this power.
What is judicial power
The power to interpret and apply the law
Courts and judges are independent of parliament and government
Who is Australia’s Head of State
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Who does the Queen appoint as her representative in Australia
The Governor-General, from advice from the Australian Prime Minister
The Governor-General acts independently of all political parties
In each state, there is a governor who represents the Queen in a role similar to the Governor-General
Who does the Queen appoint as her representative in Australia
The Governor-General, from advice from the Australian Prime Minister
What is a constitutional monarchy
The Queen is Australia’s Head of State, but has to act in accordance with the constitution
The Queen’s powers are delegated to the Governor-General in Australia
Australia is a constitutional monarchy
Who is the leader of the Australian government (like the president)
Prime Minister
What is the Governor-General’s role and responsibilities
- Remain politically neutral
- Sign bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law (this is called a Royal Assent)
- Ceremonial duties
- Approve appointment of Australian ministers, federal judges and other officials
- Start the process for federal elections
- Commander-In-Chief of the Australian Defense Force
- Use ‘reserve powers’ in specific special circumstances
What is the head of state
Queen of Australia (the Queen)
What is the Governor-General
Representative of the Queen / head of state
What is a Governor
Representative of the Queen / head of state in each Australian state
