Civics test

Rules vs Laws

Rules are general expectations that are not enforced, while laws are enforced by courts and apply equally, often resulting in fines or jail.

Criminal vs Civil Law

Criminal law protects society and punishes offenders, whereas civil law resolves disputes and protects rights based on the balance of probabilities.

Division of Powers

The division of powers includes exclusive powers (Federal, Defense, Currency), concurrent powers (shared like Taxes and Education), and residual powers (State, such as Schools and Roads). Federal law prevails in conflicts under section 109.

Separation of Powers

Separation of powers divides government into three branches: Legislative (makes law), Executive (enforces law), and Judiciary (interprets law).

Two Houses of Parliament

The House of Representatives is referred to as the People's House and forms the Government; the Senate functions as the States' House, with 12 seats per state and serves as a house of review.

Changing the Constitution

Amending the Constitution requires a referendum and a double majority, which is a national majority of voters plus a majority of voters in a majority of states.