Australian Parliamentary System

Cards (18)

  • Federation: A group of states with a central government they deal with their own internal affairs
  • Constitution: A set of rules created to enforce the powers of a government and the rights of its citizens
  • Referendum: A vote set out to change the constitution.
  • Australia became a federation on January 1st, 1901
  • Before federation: there were six colonies: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
  • Australia has a federal system of government, which means it is divided into two levels of authority: the national (federal) government and the state governments. Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers.
  • The federal government deals with issues that affect the whole country, like defense, immigration, and trade with other nations. It is based in Canberra, the capital city.
  • State governments handle matters that are more local, such as education, healthcare, and transport within their respective states like Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, etc.
  • The federal system helps in sharing the power and responsibilities between the national and state governments, allowing for better governance and representation of the diverse needs of the Australian people.
  • The Australian Constitution sets up three branches of government: the Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary. This is known as the separation of powers.
  • Rights in the Constitution: Right to vote
  • Rights in the Constitution: Protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms
  • Rights in the Constitution: The right to a trial by jury
  • Rights in the constitution: Freedom of religion
  • Rights in the Constitution: Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of State of residency.
  • Legislature
    The legislative branch of government, responsible for making laws
  • Separation of powers
    A system where the powers of government are divided among three branches: Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary
  • Parliament
    The whole institution that comprises the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary in Australia