Hass Test Civics

What is a democracy?

Democracy: A type of government where citizens can vote to choose who represents and leads them.

What is a refferendum?

Referendum: A vote where the people decide directly on an important issue.

Give 3 functions/purposes of the constitution?

1. Sets out the rules for governing Australia.

2. Explains the powers and responsibilities of the Australian Parliament and government.

3. Protects the rights of the states and helps divide power between the federal and state governments.

What is a federation and what does it have to do with the Australian constitution?

Federation: A federation is when separate states join together to form one country but still have their own governments. The Australian Constitution explains how power is shared between the Australian Government and the state governments.

How does the constitution divide power among different branches (seperation of powers) For each branch, state the role of people in that branch, and the people/houses that make up that branch?

• Legislative: Makes and changes laws. It includes Parliament – the King, Senate and House of Representatives.

• Executive: Puts laws into action and runs the country. It includes the Prime Minister, ministers and Governor-General.

• Judicial: Interprets laws and decides if they have been broken. It includes judges and courts.

What is the difference between a right and a responsiblity?

A right is something a citizen is allowed or entitled to do. For example, Australian citizens have the right to vote when they are old enough.

A responsibility is something a citizen should do to help their community or country. For example, citizens have a responsibility to obey the law.

What are the three levels of law making/Goverment in Australia?

• Federal Government – makes laws for the whole of Australia.

• State and Territory Governments – make laws for each state or territory.

• Local Governments – look after local areas, such as roads, parks and rubbish collection.

What name is given to a Parlimentary system which has 2 houses?

What make this a good system?

A parliamentary system with two houses is called a bicameral system.

In Australia, the two houses are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

A bicameral system is good because the two houses check each other’s decisions and laws. This helps prevent one group from having too much power and allows laws to be carefully reviewed.

How can the Australian Constitution be changed through a referendum?

The Constitution can be changed by a referendum. Australians vote YES or NO, and it needs a double majority to pass. In 2023, the Voice referendum failed, so the Constitution stayed unchanged.

Describe 2 differences between the House of Representatives and The Senate?

1. House of Representatives: Has 151 members, while the Senate has 76 senators.

2. The House represents people based on population, while the Senate gives equal representation to each state.

What are three things the govenor general does?

Wat s difference between gov and parli