Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the central parliament established in 1901?
Queensland has both an upper house and a lower house in its parliament.
False
What date is recognized as Federation Day?
1st January 1901
The central parliament could make laws on _____ and trade.
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for the need for a central parliament?
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Match the following responsibilities with the appropriate governing body:
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Before the central parliament was created, there was a uniform defense force among the colonies.
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The CW constitution outlines the structure and _____ powers of the CW parliament.
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What is the term used to describe Australia's system of government aiming to protect individual rights and freedoms?
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Australia's elections for parliament are held every 4 years.
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What must governments in Australia do to ensure their accountability?
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Governments must protect the rights and freedoms of __________.
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Which of the following is NOT a principle upon which Australia's government operates?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Voting is compulsory for citizens over the age of 18 in Australia.
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What is one of the main functions of the Australian constitution?
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Exclusive powers can be exercised by both the Commonwealth and state parliaments.
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What type of parliament is involved in Australia's federal system?
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What is one example of a concurrent power?
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The powers not stated in the Australian constitution belong to the state parliament and are referred to as ___________.
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Match the following law-making powers with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is not a power listed in section 51 of the constitution?
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The High Court of Australia was established to resolve disputes regarding the Commonwealth's meaning.
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What two principles form the foundation of the Australian parliamentary system?
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Who holds the power to make laws in Indonesia?
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In Australia, the Liberal Party and the Australian Labor Party are the only political parties.
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What is the role of the president in Indonesia's government?
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In Indonesia, various large and small political parties compete in parliamentary elections every _____ years.
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Match the political parties with their leaders in the 2014 Indonesian elections:
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What was established by the British that forms the basis of Australia's current system of government?
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders had no established rights before the British arrived in Australia.
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What significant change occurs in the composition of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly?
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What happens if there is a conflict between Commonwealth and state laws in concurrent areas of power?
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The Australian Constitution can be changed easily by the federal government without public approval.
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What is required for a proposed change to the Australian Constitution to be put to a public vote?
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A change to the Constitution must receive _____ assent from the governor-general after being approved by a double majority.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the minimum time frame for a proposed change to be voted on after its approval by Parliament?
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Study Notes
Principles of Australia's System of Government
- Australia operates under a federal system with one Commonwealth Parliament, six state parliaments, and two mainland territory parliaments.
- Core principles include:
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms.
- Laws reflecting the views and values of the populace.
- Government accountability to citizens.
- Separation of powers among branches of government.
Liberal Democracy
- Australia's government is classified as a liberal democracy, emphasizing the safeguarding of individual rights.
- Limits on government control are crucial to prevent excessive regulation of people's behavior.
- Key rights protected include freedom of speech, assembly, and expression; while also regulating offensive public conduct.
Representative Government
- Achieved through regular free and fair elections allowing citizens to select representatives.
- Elections occur every three years for federal and four years for state parliaments.
- Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 and over, with penalties for non-compliance.
Indonesian Government Comparison
- In Indonesia, the law-making power resides within national, provincial, and district parliaments, elected every five years.
- The president administers law and the judiciary interprets it.
- Political landscape differs: Australia has major parties, while Indonesia has a diverse array.
Historical Context of Australia's Government
- The British established a legal framework and system, enabling colonies to create their own laws under the Westminster system.
- Lack of a central parliament led to inter-colony trade constraints and independent militias, prompting the need for a unified system.
Formation of Commonwealth Government
- In 1901, the six colonies united under a federal system, creating a central Commonwealth Parliament.
- Confederation allowed central control over defense, currency, and immigration, while colonies managed local affairs like education and public transport.
Structure and Powers of Commonwealth Parliament
- Governed by a constitution that delineates the structure and legislative authority of the Parliament.
- The High Court resolves disputes regarding the interpretation of the Constitution and protects the essential rights of Australians.
Law-Making Powers
- The Constitution specifies powers of the Commonwealth Parliament, listed primarily in Section 51, including:
- Marriage and divorce
- Currency and taxation
- Trade, commerce, and defense
- Powers not specified are retained by state parliaments, referred to as residual powers.
Types of Legislative Powers
- Exclusive Powers: Only the Commonwealth can legislate in these areas (e.g., currency).
- Concurrent Powers: Shared powers allowing both Commonwealth and state governments to legislate (e.g., taxation); Commonwealth law prevails in case of conflict.
Amendments to the Constitution
- Amendments require public approval via a referendum to mitigate federal power misuse.
- The process involves drafting a proposal, securing a majority in Parliament, and then a compulsory public vote requiring a double majority of national and state voters.
Double Majority Requirement
- Amendments must receive majority support from Australian voters, including those in the territories, and majority support from voters in at least four of the six states.
- Approved amendments must receive royal assent from the Governor-General to take effect.
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Description
Explore the foundational principles underlying Australia's system of government, including its federal structure and commitment to individual rights. This quiz covers key concepts such as liberal democracy, representative government, and the separation of powers. Test your knowledge of how these elements uphold democracy in Australia.