HASS

Parliament

The law-making body in Australia, consisting of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the King represented by the Governor-General at federal level.

Legislature

The branch of government responsible for creating and amending laws, specifically referred to as Parliament.

Executive

The branch of government that implements laws and manages the daily operations of the country, including the Prime Minister and various ministers.

Judiciary

The branch responsible for interpreting and enforcing the laws, which consists of courts and judges.

Separation of powers

A system where legislative, executive, and judicial powers are distributed among different bodies to prevent any one entity from holding excessive power.

Division of powers

The allocation of law-making responsibilities between Commonwealth, State, and Local governments.

Federalism

A governance structure where authority is shared between a national government and state or territory governments.

Constitution

A set of fundamental rules outlining the governance structure of Australia and the distribution of power within it.

Referendum

A vote by the populace on a proposed amendment to the Australian Constitution.

Double majority

To successfully pass a referendum, a majority of votes nationwide and a majority in at least 4 of the 6 states must vote YES.

Constitutional monarchy

A political system where a monarch serves as the head of state, but their powers are constrained by a constitution.

Governor-General

The King’s representative in Australia who carries out constitutional roles, such as granting Royal Assent to legislation.

Royal Assent

The formal approval required to transform a bill passed by Parliament into law.

Preferential voting

A voting system where voters rank candidates, and preferences are allocated until one candidate achieves an absolute majority.

Absolute majority

More than 50% of the valid votes cast in an election.

House of Representatives

The lower house of the federal Parliament, where each electorate elects one representative.

Senate

The upper house of Parliament, representing the interests of the states and territories.

Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

An independent authority responsible for overseeing federal elections and referendums.

Secret ballot

A voting method ensuring that ballot choices remain confidential.

Compulsory voting

A legal requirement for eligible citizens to vote in Australian federal elections.

Liberal democracy

A democratic framework that safeguards individual rights and freedoms, conducts free and fair elections, and restricts government power through established laws and institutions.

Rule of law

The principle that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law and are treated equally under it.

Representation

The process by which citizens elect individuals to make decisions on their behalf.

Accountability

The expectation that government officials must explain and justify their decisions and actions and that they can be questioned or removed from office.

Coalition

An alliance formed by two or more political parties to govern together.

Opposition

The major party or group not currently in government, responsible for holding the government accountable.

Cabinet

A group of high-ranking government ministers responsible for making significant policy decisions and setting government priorities.

Bill

A proposed piece of legislation that is presented for debate in Parliament.