Civics Revision

1/4/2025

How is the Government formed?

By the majority party in the House of Representatives.

What is Parliament composed of?

Consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (initiates laws) and the Senate (reviews and amends laws).

What is the function of Parliament?

Includes law-making, representing citizens, and overseeing the Government's actions through scrutiny.

Who are the members of Parliament?

Members (MPs) are elected officials representing electoral divisions across Australia.

How is the Government formed?

The political party that wins the majority of seats in the House of Representatives after an election.

What is the function of the Government?

Enforces laws, manages public policy, and administers the country's daily operations.

Who are the members of the Government?

The Government is led by the Prime Minister and includes ministers who are elected MPs from the House of Representatives.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

151 members in the House of Representatives, each elected to represent one electoral division.

What is the role of the House of Representatives?

The House initiates, debates, and votes on legislation, serving as the direct voice for the electorate.

How often are elections held for the House of Representatives?

House elections are held every three years using a preferential voting system.

How many members are in the Senate?

The Senate has 76 members, including 12 senators from each state and 2 from each territory.

What is the role of the Senate?

The Senate reviews legislation passed by the House, represents state interests, and safeguards minority rights.

How often are elections held for the Senate?

Senate elections occur every six years, with members elected through proportional representation.

What is Representative Democracy?

Representative Democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make laws and policy decisions on their behalf.

What is a Constitutional Monarchy?

A Constitutional Monarchy is a government system where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, allowing for elected governance.

What is meant by Federation of States?

Federation refers to multiple states that govern themselves while being part of a single national entity.

What is Separation of Powers?

Separation of Powers divides government responsibilities into three branches: legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judiciary (interprets laws).

What is Active Citizenship?

Active Citizenship encourages individuals to engage in civic duties, such as voting and community involvement.

What is Compulsory Voting?

Compulsory Voting is a legal requirement for eligible citizens to participate in elections, promoting greater voter turnout.

What is the Rule of Law?

The Rule of Law ensures all individuals are bound by law, protecting their rights and maintaining justice.

What is Statutory Law?

Statutory Law is composed of laws that are formally enacted by legislative bodies like Parliament.

What is Common Law?

Based on judicial precedents and decisions made in previous court cases, guiding future interpretations.

What is the Independent Judiciary?

An Independent Judiciary operates free from governmental influence, providing impartiality and fairness in legal proceedings.

What are the major political parties in Australia?

Australia's major political parties include the Australian Labor Party (ALP), Liberal Party, National Party, Australian Greens, and One Nation, each representing distinct political ideologies.

What are the functions of political parties?

Political parties represent voters' interests, develop policies, and aim to establish a government by winning majority support in Parliament.

What types of political media exist?

Political media includes print (newspapers), broadcast (TV, radio), digital (online platforms), and public broadcasting, which seeks to provide unbiased news.

What is the voting process in Australia?

Includes compulsory voting, preferential voting for the House, proportional representation for the Senate, and secret ballots to ensure voter privacy.

What is the Court Hierarchy?

The Court Hierarchy includes the High Court (final authority), Supreme Courts (highest in each state/territory), County Courts (serious cases), and Magistrates' Courts (minor offences).

What is the Right of Appeal?

The Right of Appeal allows individuals to request a higher court review previous decisions, ensuring justice and consistency in legal rulings.

What is Criminal Law?

Criminal Law addresses offenses against the state, focusing on punishing actions like theft, assault, and murder.

What is Civil Law?

Civil Law resolves disputes between individuals or organizations, seeking compensation or rectification for issues like contracts and torts.