Questions and Answers
What is the role of a parliament?
How many state parliaments are there in Australia?
Six state parliaments
Australia is an example of a constitutional monarchy.
True
Which of the following is a power of the federal parliament?
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Match the following levels of government with their examples of law-making areas:
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What is the minimum number of seats needed for a party to form a government in the House of Representatives?
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What ensures no group has complete power in Australia's government?
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The House of Representatives is based on the House of _________.
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What is the term length for members of the Senate?
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Australia has compulsory voting.
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Which of the following is NOT a principle of Australia's government?
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What does the term 'concurrent powers' refer to?
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In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a _______.
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What phrase describes a government accountable for its actions?
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What is one right guaranteed to individuals in Australia?
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What does social cohesion promote in a society?
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Study Notes
Australia’s System of Government
- Parliament consists of elected representatives making laws on behalf of the people.
- Responsibilities include creating new laws, debating societal issues, examining problems, and reviewing injustices.
Federal System of Government
- Australia operates a federal system divided into states with individual parliaments and one central Commonwealth Parliament.
- Total of six states and one Commonwealth Parliament based in Canberra.
Levels of Government and Law-Making Areas
- Federal Government: Manages national issues like currency, defense, and marriage.
- State Government: Focuses on education, health services, and water management.
- Local Government: Oversees infrastructure, recreational areas, and childcare services.
Constitutional Monarchy
- Australia is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, represented by the Governor-General.
Separation of Powers
- Divided into three branches:
- Legislative: Responsible for law-making (House of Reps, Senate, and Crown).
- Executive: Implements laws (Governor-General and Prime Minister).
- Judicial: Interprets and judges laws independently.
House of Representatives
- Comprises 151 seats; a majority of 76 seats needed to form government.
- Prime Minister must be a member, elected through an electorate vote.
- Most legislation originates here, based on the Westminster system, with a three-year term.
Senate
- Contains 76 seats; 12 from each state, 2 from each territory.
- Known as the "States House" ensuring equal representation with a six-year term.
- Bills reviewed before Governor-General’s assent, functioning as a house of review.
Powers of Government
- Exclusive Powers: Held by the Commonwealth (e.g., immigration, defense).
- Concurrent Powers: Shared between Commonwealth and states (e.g., taxation).
- Residual Powers: Reserved for states post-federation, maintaining control over certain areas.
Principles of Governance
- Governments must protect individual rights and freedoms.
- Laws must reflect the views and values of the populace through representative democracy.
- Accountability to the people via parliamentary discussions and direct communication.
Voting and Elections
- Regular elections at federal (every 3 years) and state levels (every 4 years).
- Compulsory voting aims to reflect the majority’s opinion in parliaments.
- The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) manages the electoral process ensuring integrity and accessibility.
Rights and Freedoms
- Laws protect fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly.
- Governments provide services and social welfare benefits to maintain public health and dignity.
Social Cohesion and Resolving Differences
- Defined as efforts towards the well-being of all, fighting exclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Conflict resolution mechanisms include negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation to maintain social harmony.
Comparison: Indonesia's Government System
- Indonesia operates as a democratic republic, established in 1945.
- Comprises national, provincial, and district-level governments, each elected by the populace.
- The People's Consultative Assembly functions similarly to Australia's Commonwealth Parliament.
Conclusion
- Australia’s system emphasizes democratic values, accountability, social cohesion, and the protection of individual rights.
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Description
Explore the structure and functions of Australia's government, including its federal system and the roles of local, state, and federal authorities. Understand how Australia's constitutional monarchy operates and the significance of the separation of powers in law-making.
