Australian Politics and Government – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarising essential political terms, institutions and concepts from the lecture notes on Australian government and politics.

Bicameral

A parliament with two houses or chambers – in Australia, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Electorate

A geographic area represented by a member of parliament; also refers to the voters who live there.

Referendum

A nationwide vote in which citizens decide ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a proposed constitutional change or specific question.

Parliamentary Majority

More than half the seats in the lower house, allowing a party or coalition to form government.

Opposition

The party or coalition with the second-highest number of seats that scrutinises and challenges the government.

Party Platform

The collection of policies and principles a political party pledges to implement if elected.

Political Party

An organised group of people with similar political ideas aiming to win elections and influence policy.

Crossing the Floor

When an MP votes against their own party, often by physically moving to sit with the opposing side.

Hung Parliament

A situation in which no party holds a clear majority of lower-house seats after an election.

Minority Government

A government formed without a majority, relying on independents or minor parties for support.

Independent

A member of parliament who does not belong to any political party.

Candidate

A person who nominates to run for election to parliament.

Cabinet

The group of senior government ministers, led by the Prime Minister, that decides major policy and legislation.

Separation of Powers

The division of authority into legislative, executive and judicial branches to prevent concentration of power.

Portfolio

The area of responsibility overseen by a minister, such as Health, Defence or Education.

Australian Labor Party (ALP)

Major centre-left party focused on jobs, social welfare, affordable housing, climate action and equality.

Liberal Party of Australia

Major centre-right party emphasising economic growth, lower taxes, individual freedom and limited government.

The Nationals

Conservative party representing regional and rural Australians, allied with the Liberals in coalition.

The Greens

Progressive party prioritising environmental protection, social justice, non-violence and grassroots democracy.

Shadow Minister

An opposition MP who monitors a specific government minister’s work and proposes alternative policies.

Front Bench

Parliamentary seating for government ministers and shadow ministers who hold leadership roles.

Back Bench

MPs who are not ministers or shadow ministers; they sit behind the front bench and often focus on local issues.

Constitutional Monarchy

System where a monarch is head of state but powers are limited by a constitution; Australia’s current model.

Representative Democracy

System in which citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf.

Westminster System

Parliamentary model inherited from the UK featuring responsible government and an executive drawn from the legislature.

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1901

Australia’s founding legal document that created the federal system and outlines powers of government.

Parliament (Australia)

The national law-making body made up of the House of Representatives, Senate and Governor-General.

Government (Australia)

The party or coalition with majority support in the House of Representatives that runs the country.

House of Representatives

Lower house of federal parliament with 151 members; initiates most legislation and forms government.

Senate

Upper house of federal parliament with 76 members; reviews, amends and votes on legislation.

Minister

An MP who heads a government department and is responsible for a specific portfolio.

Bill

A proposed law presented to parliament for debate and approval.

Prime Minister

Leader of the government and head of the executive branch; currently Anthony Albanese (2025).

Governor-General

The King’s representative in Australia who grants Royal Assent, opens parliament and performs ceremonial duties.

Preferential Voting

House of Representatives method where voters rank candidates; preferences are redistributed until one gains a majority.

Proportional Voting

Senate voting system that allocates seats roughly in proportion to each party’s share of the vote.

Legislative Branch

Parliamentary arm that debates and passes laws.

Executive Branch

Prime Minister, Cabinet and public service who implement and administer laws.

Judicial Branch

Independent courts and judges who interpret laws and resolve disputes.

Double Majority

Requirement for a successful referendum: majority of national votes and majorities in at least four states.

Coalition

Formal partnership of the Liberal Party and National Party that often governs together.

Federal Election

Nationwide vote held every three years to elect all House members and half the Senate.

Compulsory Voting

Legal requirement for all Australian citizens aged 18+ to enrol and vote in elections.