Democratic Rights

Definitions:

  • Hung parliament: when neither of the two major political parties in a lower house has more than half the elected members, so that neither can form government.

  • Balance of power: When no political party has enough seats to control parliament alone, smaller parties or independents can influence decisions and laws.


FORMING GOVERNMENT VIDEO

  • 2 parties in the Australian government: the House of Representatives and the Senate

  • To win government, the party has to hold the most seats in the House of Representatives.

  • House of Representatives:

  • There are 151 members — one for each area of Australia

  • To run the country on its own, a party needs 76 seats (that's more than half)

  • When you vote, you number the candidates in order: 1, 2, 3, and so on

  • If no one gets more than half the votes, the person in last place is knocked out

  • Their votes go to whoever those voters put next on their list

  • This keeps happening until one person has more than half

  • So your vote is never wasted — it just moves to your next choice

  • That's why parties try hard to be your number 2 or 3 pick


Senate (the upper house)

  • There are 76 senators

  • Above the line: you number the parties — 1, 2, 3 — and your vote follows that party's plan

  • Below the line: you number the actual people yourself, so you're in charge of your own preferences

  • The Senate counts votes differently — it's about getting a share of the votes, not just over half

  • Because of that, lots of different parties and independents can get in


Making a government

  • Win 76 seats in the House and you form government on your own — that's a majority government

  • If nobody gets 76, the biggest party needs help from independents or small parties — that's a minority government

  • The Senate usually has no single party in charge, so the government has to ask others to agree before a new law can pass

  • That's called holding the balance of power


Forming Government in Australia – Dot Points

House of Representatives

  • Has 150 members representing electorates.

  • The government is formed in this chamber.

  • A party or coalition needs at least 76 seats to form a majority government.

  • The leader of the winning party becomes Prime Minister.

The Senate

  • Has 76 senators representing states and territories.

  • Acts as a house of review.

  • Checks, debates, changes or rejects proposed laws.

  • Does not decide who forms government.

Majority Government

  • A party or coalition wins at least 76 seats.

  • Has enough support to govern independently.

Minority Government

  • No party wins 76 seats.

  • Parties negotiate with independents and minor parties (crossbench).

  • Needs their support to stay in government.

Crossbench

  • Members who are not part of the government or opposition.

  • Can influence important decisions.

  • Provide support through confidence and supply agreements.

Governor-General

  • Formally appoints the Prime Minister.

  • Acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and ministers.

  • Gives Royal Assent to bills so they become laws.

Balance of Power in the Senate

  • Minor parties and independents can decide whether bills pass or fail.

  • Governments usually need support from other senators.

  • Encourages negotiation and compromise.

How Laws Are Passed

  1. Government introduces a bill in Parliament.

  2. House of Representatives debates and passes it.

  3. Senate reviews, debates and may change or reject it.

  4. Both chambers agree.

  5. Governor-General gives Royal Assent.

Advantages of the Senate

  • Prevents the government from having too much power.

  • Allows different opinions to be heard.

  • Encourages transparency and accountability.

Disadvantages of the Senate

  • Can slow down laws being passed.

  • Gives minor parties more influence.

  • Can cause disagreements and delays.