civics and citizenship
the Australian constitution
came into operation on the 1st of January 1901 - also known as the federation
established a federal system of government
created and outlined law-making powers of the commonwealth parliament
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outlined the structure of the commonwealth parliament
created the high court of australia
Federal System
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Australia’s system of government
6 state parliaments, 1 Commonwealth Parliament (federal) in Canberra
Has the power to make laws that apply to the entire country
Divided into states - each is responsible for making laws for the residents of that state/territory
State parliaments divided further into local parliaments/municipal councils, e.g. City of Canning
Head of State
Australia’s government based on the Westminster System
A sovereign (king, queen, governor general) acts as the Head of State and hold various powers, including being required to give final approval to all laws made by parliament
Separation of Powers
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Ensures that no single group/body within our parliamentary system has power over both the political and legal systems
Executive power - power to administer/implement the law; held by the governor general, Prime Minister and senior ministers
Legislative power - power to make the law; held by parliament
Judicial power - power to apply and interpret the law; held by the courts and allows them to enforce the law (criminal) and settle disputes (civil)
Compulsory Elections
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Federal parliament elections are held in Australia every 3 years, and state elections are held every 4 years
Voting is compulsory for all eligible citizens aged 18 and over
Those who don’t enrol to vote/don’t vote on election day can be fined
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What is a Ministry and Cabinet?
Ministry: a period of government (executive) headed by one Prime Minister
Cabinet: the committee of senior ministers responsible for controlling government policy, headed by the Prime Minister
Bicameral Parliament
Constitutional Monarchy
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Australia is a constitutional monarchy
The Queen is represented in Australia by the governor general, who is elected by the federal government/Prime Minister, and is always prominent and well-respected - currently David Hurley (former senior officer in the Australian army)
Grant royal assent/final approval, on behalf of the Queen, for a Bill to become an Act of Parliament or law
Perform ceremonial duties
Can also end the term of parliament and call a federal election if both houses fail to agree over the passing of a significant law
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A parliament consisting of 2 houses
e.g. Legislative Assembly (lower house) and Legislative Council (upper house)
Aims to avoid a concentration of power in a single house and the risk of abuse that this would cause
Activity
Respond to the following question in your exercise books:
“The parliament is the heart of Australia’s democracy, whilst the executive is the brain. Discuss what this statement means.”
Activity
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You are about to form a government!
You are to divide yourselves up into two political parties
Party 1: Pineapple on pizza
Party 2: Pineapple not on pizza
You will have to elect a leader for your political party. How are you going to do this while still keeping accountable?