Civics

Constitutional Monarchy

government where monarch is head of state within bounds of Constitution.

Bicameral Parliament

Parliament with 2 houses (upper and lower) to make and pass laws

House of Representatives

Lower house, members represent electorate, responsible for proposing laws

Senate

Upper house, members represent state/territory, reviews legislations proposed

Prime Minister

Head of Government, leader of coalition in House of Reps and runs the government

President

Elected directly by the people in a Republic

Exclusive Powers

Authority to enforce laws/manage administration of government. Vested in Federal government only.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by Federal and State governments, both can make laws on issues such as health and tax. If there’s conflict, Federal prevails

Residual Powers

Powers not mentioned in Constitution and therefore vested in State governments and cover issues such as education and public health.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles or laws that outlines the structure, powers, and processes of a government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.

Referendum

A direct vote in which the electorate is asked to accept or reject a specific proposal, often related to constitutional changes or significant legislative decisions.

Westminster Conventions

Unwritten practices that guide the functioning of government in parliamentary systems e.g. PM must have support of majority.

Bilateral Treaty

agreement between 2 countries - trade, security, environmental protection

Multilateral Treaty

agreement between 3 or more countries - climate change, trade, human rights. Usually though the UN

Australia Bicameral System

House of Reps + Senate

House of Reps represent electorates

Senate represent state/territories

Both houses reviews/passes legislations; Senate checks on House of Reps

Indonesia Bicameral System

People’s Consultative Assembly - consists of House of Reps (DPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD)

DPR holds more legislative power and responsible for making laws

DPD represents regional interests, limited legislative power, input on regional issues

Slightly less balanced, DPD has less power than the Senate

Australia Separation of Powers

Executive: drawn from legislature, but operates independently - PM and Cabinet

Judiciary: independent, interpret laws without influence from others - High Court + State Courts

Legislature: 2 houses, holds executive accountable, Parliament scrutinise

Indonesia Separation of Powers

Outlined in Constitution - legislature, judicial, executive

Executive: elected separately from legislature (President + Cabinet)

Judiciary: independent, Constitutional Court + Supreme Court oversees legal system

Legislative: PCA → DPR + RRC - drafts, debates, passes laws, independent from executive

President isn’t member of legislature

Australian Division of Powers

Federal System - divided between Commonwealth and state/territories

Exclusive Powers: held by Federal Gov (e.g. defense, foreign affairs)

Concurrent Powers: shared between Federal Gov and State Gov - Federal prevails if conflict

Residual Powers: not stated in Constitution so left to states (e.g. education, public health)

Indonesian Division of Powers

Unitary state, significant decentralisation to provinces + regional governments

Central Powers hold most power, but regional autonomy laws grant provinces control over local issues (e.g. education, public health)

Powers not divided as clearly as Australia’s - Central Gov delegated to regional

How is Constitution Changed?

• Referendum must be held

• Proposal must first pass both houses or to be passed twice in one house if blocked by the other

• Proposal is then put to Australian voters

• For amendment to succeed, must achieve double majority.

Double Majority

National: more than 50% of voters must vote yes.

State: majority of voters in 4/6 voters must vote yes

This ensures smaller states have a say and there is wider support.

How many referendums have been held?

44 (since 1901)

How many have succeeded?

8 (Double Majority Difficulty)

Example of Successful Referendum

1967 Indigenous Australians

• Proposed to allow Federal Gov to make laws for Indigenous Australians and include them in the census

• 90% voted yes

  Reasons for Success:

• Massive step forward to equality and strongly supported by civil rights groups, politicians, and general public

• Addresses issues of discrimination

• Campaigns, media support, and visible activism created a strong sense of social justice, encouraging people to vote in favour.

Example of Unsuccessful Referendum

2023 Voice to Parliament

• October 14 2023

• Proposed establishment of Indigenous voice to Parliament

• Sought to amend Constitution to create a body to advise Parliament on issues affecting Aboriginals

• 60% voting no

  Reasons for Failure:

• No bipartism (support from both political parties) - Liberal-National Coalition campaigned against proposal

• Voters were confused about roles/powers of the Voice - creating uncertainty

• Division between Indigenous support causing voter hesitation and some questioned the bread community support

Exclusive Powers

• Only granted to Federal Gov

  Examples:

• Defense: federal controls forces (Sections 51 + 114 (states can’t raise armies/navies))

• Customs + Excise Duties: Section 90

Concurrent Powers

• Shared by Federal + State Govs

• Both level of Govs can legislate on these matters, but under Section 91, federal law prevails if there’s conflict

  Examples:

• Taxation: both can impose taxes (Section 51)

• Marriage/Divorce: Section 51

Residual Powers

• Not listed in Constitution - power goes to State Govs

  Examples:

• Education: policies and funding for schools and universities

• Public Health: administration of hospitals and local health services

Bilateral Treaty Example

Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA)

• Signed: 18 May 2004

• Ratified: 1 Jan 2005

  Purpose of Treaty:

• Strengthen economic ties between AUS + US

• Aims to reduce and eliminate trade barriers such as tariffs (tax on products/exports) on traded Goods + Services between them

  Benefits for Australia:

• Access to US markets with reduced tariffs on products such as beef, lamb, and wine

• Strengthened trade in services, particularly financial services

  Purpose Behind Signing:

• Deepen economic relationship with largest trading partner at the time

• Boost Australian exports to US and attract American investment - supporting economy

ECONOMICAL

Multilateral Treaty Example

Paris Agreement (US, UK, China, India, European Union, Brazil, Russia + more)

• Signed: 22 April 2016

• Ratified: 4 November 2-16

  Purpose of Treaty:

• Combat Climate Change - limiting global temperature rise to below 2 Celsius above pre-industrial levels

• Encourages nations to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for how they plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Promotes international cooperation on funding and technology transfer to support Climate Change mitigation and adaptation, especially in developing nations

  Benefits for Australia:

• Protects Australia’s vulnerable environments e.g. Great Barrier Reef

  Purpose Behind Signing:

• Recognising Australia’s vulnerability to climate change - agriculture, biodiversity, water security

• Meeting global expectations as developed nation to contribute to emission reductions and sustainability

ENVIRONMENTAL

International Treaty That Links to Australian Law

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Oil Spills Mitigation Strategies

1. Containment Booms

   Floating barriers to prevent spread

2. Chemical Dispersants

   Sprayed to break down oil

Oil Spills Preventative Strategies

1. Improved Training

   Safe handling, emergency response

2. Double-Hulled Ships

   Extra layer of protection against leak