Politics
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12 Terms
Bicameral Parliament
A parliament that consists of two houses (in Australia, the Senate and the House of Representatives), ensuring laws are debated and reviewed by both.
Royal Assent
The formal signing and approval of a bill by the Governor-General (or Governor), which is the final step required for a bill to become an Act of Parliament.
Executive Power |
The power to administer the law and manage the government; in practice, this is exercised by the Prime Minister and senior ministers.
Legislative Power
The power to make laws; held by the Parliament.
Key Roles of Commonwealth Parliament
1. To make laws. 2. To represent the people of Australia.
Checks and Balances
The system (like having two houses of parliament) that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Cabinet
A small group of senior ministers led by the Prime Minister; they decide government policy and formulate the laws that are introduced to Parliament.
Residual Powers
Powers which were not given to the Commonwealth Parliament under the Australian Constitution and which, therefore, remain with the states. For example education, public transport and criminal law.
Exclusive Powers
Powers in the Australian Constitution that only the Commonwealth Parliament can exercise. The states cannot make laws in these areas.
The House of Reps- Lower House
150 members
elections held every 3 years
needs to achieve 76+ seats to become “House of Government”
Role of House of Reps in law making
Initiate new laws- a money bill is HOR only and a bill has to pass through both houses and get Royal assent.
Act as a house of review - if a bill has been initiated and passed through the Senate (upper house), the HoR becomes the 'second house' to consider whether the bill should become law.
Scrutinise government administration - ministers are expected to be answerable and accountable for their decisions, policies and actions → responsible government. This is achieved through Question Time in parliament, through committees (and through the media).