Year 9 Civics & Citizenship - Australian Constitution, Law-Making & Democracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Australian Constitution, Federation, the law-making process, the separation of powers, and the role of the Cabinet and High Court.

Australian Constitution

The set of rules by which Australia is run, which came into effect on 1 January 1901 when the six colonies federated.

Federation

The process of deliberation, consultation, and debate that led the six colonies to join together as a unified nation called the Commonwealth of Australia.

Bicameral system

A parliament with two houses, which in Australia consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate

The house of the Australian Parliament characterized by having equal representation for each state.

House of Representatives

The house of the Australian Parliament where representation is based on population.

Referendum

A vote of the Australian people on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution; the only way the document can be changed.

Plebiscite

A vote on an issue that does not affect the Australian Constitution.

Double majority

The requirement for a referendum to pass, meaning it is approved by a majority of voters across the nation and a majority of voters in a majority of states.

Cabinet

A group of top-level members of the Australian Government, including the Prime Minister, whose role is to develop government policy and make decisions about national issues.

Consensus decision-making

A Cabinet process where ministers aim to agree on decisions through negotiation and compromise.

Cabinet solidarity

The expectation that all Cabinet ministers publicly support the decisions they make as a group.

Portfolio

The specific area of responsibility assigned to a minister within the Australian Government.

Collective responsibility

The principle where all ministers take responsibility for the decisions made by the Cabinet.

Bill

A proposal for a law that must be agreed to by the House of Representatives and the Senate and signed by the Governor-General.

Royal Assent

The signing of a bill by the Governor-General, which officially makes it an Act of Parliament.

Act of Parliament

A bill that has received Royal Assent and has become a law for Australia.

Separation of powers

The constitutional division of government into three branches—Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary—to ensure no branch becomes too powerful.

Legislative branch

The arm of government that passes, changes, and repeals laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive branch

The arm of government that carries out laws and runs government day to day, including the Prime Minister and ministers.

Judiciary

The branch of government that interprets laws and settles arguments, independent of the Parliament.

High Court of Australia

The country's highest court which sits at the apex of the Australian judicial system.

Common Law

Law made through the judgements of the Judiciary, independent of the Parliament's law-making process.