Unit 1: Parliament

Question 1

Define ‘Parliament’.

Answer 1

The branches of the government responsible for making the laws of the country.

Question 2

Name the 3 branches of the government, who is part of each one and what they do.

Answer 2

Legislature:

• Parliament
• They make laws to help run the country better and more fairly.

Executive:

• President, deputy president(s) and the cabinet
• They run the country and make decisions using the laws of the country

Judiciary:

• The courts of the justice system
• They make sure that the country’s laws are obeyed.

Question 3

Define ‘cabinet’.

Answer 3

Heads of various government departments, such as education, health and finance departments.

Question 4

Name the 2 houses of Parliament and describe each.

Answer 4

National Assembly:

• 350-400 members
• elected by people of the country
• political parties with more votes have more members of Parliament
• makes the laws of the country

National Council of Provinces (NCOP)

• 90 members (10 per province)
• appointed by the provinces
• ensures that provinces are represented when laws are made for the whole country

Question 5

_____ and _____ enable us to live together in an organised and fair way.

Answer 5

• rules

- laws

Question 6

Give the definitions for:

• justice
• justice system

Answer 6

• what is fair, correct or right

- the police and the courts of law where people are judged

Question 7

Explain the following sentence:

“Everyone is equal under the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.”

Answer 7

• Everyone should have a chance for his/her case to be heard in court
• The court must treat everyone the same
• The same laws apply to everyone
• no-one may interfere with the work of the courts