The constitution and parliaments

A constitution

a set of rules that establishes the nature, functions and limits of government. It determines the powers and duties of government.

features of aus gov in constitution

• composure of hor and senate

• establishes the high court

• establishes state powers

• establishes law making powers

• identifies referendums

referendums

the method used for changing the wording of the Australian constitution. A referendum requires a proposal to be approved by the australian people in a public vote by a double majority

The commonwealth parliament

key roles:

• make laws

• represent the people

House of Representatives

• 151 members

• elected members represent the views of their electorate

• the party with the second most seats becomes the opposition

HoR role in law making: (6)

• initiate and make laws - debating and scrutinising laws so they align with current society’s values

• determine the government

• act as a house of review - if initiated in the senate

• control government expenditure - only hor can bring in money bills

• represent the people - members are given authority to act on behalf of the people

• scrutinise government administration

the senate

• made up of 76 members, 12 from each state and 2 from each territory

• half are elected every three years

the senates key roles in law making (4)

• act as a house of review

• allow for representation of states - each state has equal representation despite population differences

• initiate bills

• scrutinise bills and government administration

Legislative assembly

• 88 members and electorates

• majority party forms gov

key roles of the legislative assembly in lawmaking (5)

• initiate and pass bills

• scrutinise government administration

• represent the people

• act as a house of review

• control government expenditure

the legislative council (3)

• 40 members from eight regions

• act as a house of review - scrutinising, amending, rejecting

• initiate and pass bills

• scrutinise government administration

The crown

one governor general and six governors

their roles are to:

• grant royal assent

• withhold royal assent

• appoint the executive council