Lesson 7
How power is divided, and how the two houses make laws.
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The Australian Constitution is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. In 1901 it established the national parliament, the national government and the High Court. Australia is a representative democracy and a constitutional monarchy: the Head of State is the King of Australia, represented by the Governor-General. The Constitution can only be changed by a referendum, which needs a 'double majority': a majority of voters across the nation, and a majority of voters in a majority of the states.
The Constitution divides power into three arms so that no one person or group holds all of it. The legislative power belongs to the Parliament, which makes laws. The executive power, held by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and ministers, puts laws into practice. The judicial power belongs to the courts and judges, who interpret and apply the law. The Governor-General also signs Bills into law and is Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
Parliament has two houses. The House of Representatives, the 'People's House', considers, debates and votes on proposed laws; the number of members for each state and territory depends on its population. The Senate, the 'House of Review', has 76 senators: 12 from each state and 2 from each mainland territory, each representing their state or territory. A proposed law is a Bill. Once both houses pass it, the Governor-General signs it, which is called Royal Assent, and it becomes law.
Answer: The Parliament. Legislative power is the power to make laws. Parliament has the power to make and change the laws in Australia.
Answer: A vote to change the Australian Constitution. A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution. By doing this, Australian citizens have a say in how Australia is governed and contribute to its future.
Answer: A representative democracy and constitutional monarchy. Australia is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people.
Answer: The Senate and the House of Representatives. The Australian Parliament is made up of two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Answer: To sign all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law. One of the roles of the Governor-General is signing all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law (called Royal Assent).
Answer: The King of Australia. Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
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