Yr. 8 Civics & Citizenship - GOVERNMENT

Bills

A proposed law that has not yet been agreed to by Parliament.

Coalition Government

A government formed from more than one political party.

Constitution

The set of rules and values that a country promises to live by. This includes how the government will be set up, who holds what power (and separating that power so no one person can become a tyrant), and what rights citizens have (such as the right to trial by jury and freedom of religion).

Executive

The branch of government that comes up with ideas. This is 'the government' and the ministers within the government (i.e. Minister of Transport, Minister for the Environment) see a change that needs to happen and propose that change in law. They do not have the power on their own to create the law.

Governor General

The Queen's representative in Australia.

House of Representatives

This is where decisions about how money from taxes is spent. Each electorate selects one person to represent them. Also called the Lower House.

Senate

Makes and reviews laws. Each state is represented by 12 senators and the territories by 2 senators. Also called the Upper House.

Judiciary

The branch of government that enforces the law - this happens in the courts.

Jury

A panel of people (usually twelve) who give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence given to them in court.

Legislature

The branch of government that creates law - this happens in the two houses of parliament.

Minister

A politician in charge of a department, such as education or defence.

Political Party

An organised group of people with the same aims and values, who wish to rule the country.

Referendum

A general vote by all the people in the country on a single political question.

Separation of Powers

The idea that a government's power is split into different branches so that no one body can overpower the other. 'Branches' are not 'levels' of government - branches are equal in their power and as such can keep checks on each other, ensuring no one branch of government takes over.