Law and politics revision Flashcards
(28 cards)
what is the bicameral system?
a system of government in which the legislature has two houses
what does the australian parliament consist of?
the house of reps, the senate, and the governor general
what is a double dissolution?
when the senate rejects a bill twice (and the governor general shuts down both houses to hold an election)
what are the main roles of the parliament?
make + change federal laws, represent the people of australia, provide a place where government is formed and keep a check on the work of the government
what is a referendum?
a referendum is the legal, official way to change the constitution
who must approve any change to the constitution?
The majority of both houses and the parliament
how is a referendum passed or approved?
when a double majority happens (when both the majority of voters nationally and states agree)
What is a royal assent act?
the final approval given by the governor general on behalf of the king after a bill is accepted through a double majority.
When is a double majority achieved?
when more than 50% of Australia (from all states + territories) and 4 out of 6 states vote yes
why do we need a double majority?
democracy, stability, balance, equality
what was the1999 referendum about?
if Australia should become a republic and remove the monarch as the head od state (the result was no, except in ACT)
what was the 1967 referendum about?
it was about removing sections 51 and 127 of the constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal peoples
when was the 1967 referendum
27 may 1967
why was the 1967 election important?
it gave aboriginal people the same rights as other citizens, they abided by the same laws, and showed millions of non indigenous people wanted to strengthen Aboriginals’ rights
what was the outcome of the 1967 referendum
it was yes. it was the most successful yes vote in Aussie history
what was the 1933 referendum?
it was about whether WA should secede and gain independence
why did the 1933 referendum happen?
the federal government favoured eastern states over WA
What was the outcome of the 1933 referendum?
it was actually a yes, but it was ignored by the british government
What is the importance of the 1933 referendum?
it showed how many western australians wanted to leave the government because of how they were neglected, so the government corrected itself
what is a law?
an official legal rule made by the government and enforced by police that everyone has to follow
what is a rule
a way of behaving in certain situations that is acceptable to scoiety
what are the 4 principles of the legal system?
rule of law, right to a fair trial, right to legal representation, and presumption of innocence and burden of proof
what is the rule of law?
it means that rules and laws are well thought out, nobody is above the law, everyone is equal
what is the right to a fair trial?
Everyone has the right to a trial with a fair, impartial, unbiased judge and jury
