Australian Government, Democracy, and Federation

Flashcards covering civics concepts including democracy, the Australian Constitution, Federation, the three branches of government, separation of powers, and the three levels of government.

What does the government do and provide for citizens according to the notes?

The government creates laws/rules to obey, collects taxes, provides public services for education and hospitality, grants rights and freedoms, and builds infrastructure like buildings and roads.

How often is a federal election held in Australia?

Every $3$ years.

What are the three different levels of government in Australia?

Federal, State, and local governments.

What different types of government are named in the notes?

Communism, Dictatorship, Fascism, and Republic.

What does the word democracy mean, and from which Ancient Greek words does it originate?

Democracy means rule by the people and comes from the Ancient Greek words demos and Kratos.

On what date did the Commonwealth of Australia officially form Federation?

1 January 1901.

What practical problems did people face in Australia prior to federation?

People had to go through immigration when traveling to different colonies/countries, and the train tracks were different sizes.

Why did some states oppose federation?

Some states did not want to share money with the poor states.

Why did the first attempt at federation fail?

People felt it was not democratic enough.

What is the Constitution?

The rulebook that sets out how government will work and contains the rules for governing the nation.

What is a referendum?

A vote to make a change to the constitution, which is the only way the constitution may be changed.

What are the three branches of the Australian Government?

Parliament (Legislature), Executive, and Judiciary.

What is the purpose of the separation of powers in Australia?

To split the power of the government into three different groups to prevent one group or individual from becoming too powerful, known as checks and balances.

What components make up the Parliament (Legislature) in Australia?

The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the King represented by the Governor-General.

What key tasks are performed by the King and Governor-General?

Appointing judges, acting as commander in chief of defense forces, signing off newly proposed laws, and deciding when parliament meets.

Who makes up the Executive branch of the Australian Government?

The King (represented by the Governor-General), the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet.

What is the Cabinet, and how many members does it currently have?

A group of senior ministers who make government policy for running the country, currently consisting of $30$ members selected by the Prime Minister.

What is the role of the Judiciary, and through which body does it interpret the law?

The role of the Judiciary is to interpret the law and make judgements on it, which is done through the High Court.

Until what age do High Court judges keep their positions?

They keep their positions until they retire or reach the age of $70$.

What is an identified exception to the complete separation of powers in the Australian Government?

The High Court judges, the Prime Minister, and ministers are appointed by the Governor-General, who is part of both parliament and executive powers.

How is the House of Representatives divided, and roughly how many voting people does each electorate represent?

It is divided into $150$ electorates, with each representing around $117{,}000$ people who have to vote.

How many seats must a political party or coalition win in the House of Representatives to form government?

A majority of at least $76$ seats.

Who is the opposition in the Australian Parliament, and what is its role?

The political party that wins the second largest number of seats; its role is to represent alternative views and cast a critical eye over the business of government.

What matters are overseen by the Federal Government?

Federal and nationwide problems including marriage, defence, taxes, foreign policy, connections, and immigration.

What areas of responsibility fall under the State Governments?

Hospitals, schools, agriculture, trains, roads, electricity, water, and mining.

How many local councils are there across Australia, and what are their responsibilities?

There are $506$ councils in charge of local roads, rubbish collection, library services, street signage, parks, and pet control.