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?