Federation & Constitution in Australia

These flashcards cover key concepts and details related to the Australian Federation, Constitution, government structure, law-making, and court hierarchy.

Australia federated on __.

January 1, 1901.

One reason for Federation was to allow __ between states.

free trade.

The Australian Constitution is a set of __ that guide how Australia is governed.

rules and principles.

The Constitution can be changed through a __.

referendum.

The three levels of government in Australia are __, __, and __.

Local, State, and Federal.

The local government manages local __, rubbish collection, parks, and libraries.

roads.

The state government manages __, hospitals, police, and transport.

schools.

The federal government manages defense, immigration, and __.

foreign policy.

The role of Parliament is to make __ for Australia.

laws.

The party (or coalition) with the majority in the House of Representatives forms the __.

government.

The House of Representatives has 151 seats because each seat represents an __ based on population size.

electorate.

The Senate has 76 seats because each state elects __ senators, and each territory elects 2 senators.

12.

The original purpose of the Senate was to protect the interests of __ in federal decisions.

smaller states.

The steps for a bill to become a law are: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Third Reading, Senate Review, and __.

Royal Assent.

The difference between a rule and a law is that rules are set by groups, while laws are enforceable by the __.

government.

An example of a rule is a __ policy.

school uniform.

An example of a law is __ limits.

speed.

Laws are needed to maintain __ and protect people’s rights.

order.

Statute law refers to laws made by __.

Parliament.

Common law is judge-made law based on __ cases.

past.

An exclusive power is a power only the __ government can use.

federal.

A residual power is a power only __ can use.

states.

A concurrent power is a power shared by __ and state governments.

federal.

A binding precedent is a legal decision that must be __ by lower courts.

followed.

A persuasive precedent is a legal decision that can __ but is not mandatory for courts.

influence.

The difference between criminal and civil law is that criminal law deals with __, while civil law deals with disputes between individuals.

crimes.

The burden of proof in a criminal case is on the __.

prosecution.

The burden of proof in a civil case is on the __.

plaintiff.

The standard of proof in criminal law is __ a reasonable doubt.

beyond.

The standard of proof in civil law is on the __ of probabilities.

balance.

The four main courts in South Australia's hierarchy are the Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court, and __.

High Court of Australia.

The Magistrates Court handles __ criminal and civil cases.

minor.

The highest court in South Australia is the __ Court.

Supreme.

The role of the High Court of Australia is to deal with __ matters and is the final court of appeal.

constitutional.

A committal hearing is a preliminary hearing in a Magistrates Court to decide if there is enough __ for trial in a higher court.

evidence.