Lesson 8: Factors that Influence Parliament

Question 1

Rubber Stamp Effect

Answer 1

• Confirming the decisions made in the Lower house
• Senate tends to be a ‘Rubber Stamp’

Question 2

Hostile Upper House

Answer 2

If the Government does not hold a majority of seats in the Upper-House, it becomes a Hostile Upper-House

Question 3

Hung Parliament

Answer 3

A hung Parliament is a situation where neither major political party wins a majority of seats in the lower house at an election

Question 4

Minority Governent

Answer 4

A Government that does not hold a majority of seats in the lower house and relies on the support of minor parties and independents to form Government

Question 5

Balance of Power

Answer 5

A small group of independents or minor parties voting with the opposition to reject a bill is referred to as the crossbench holding the balance of power