Civics (HUMS EXAM PREP.)

• When did the Australian Constitution become law?

  1901
• What is the constitution?

  The constitution is a set of rules that determines the structure of government and its law-making power. It documents, protects and explain our rights.
• The five 'express rights' detailed in the Australian Constitution are: Freedom of religion ,

  Trial by jury Compensation for acquired property

  Residential non-discrimination

  Interstate trade and commerce
• Which political party did Prime Minister Robert Menzies attempt to ban in the 1950s?

  
  

  The communist party
• The Petitions Committee presents to parliament once a week.
• Trade unions are an example of employee groups.
• Many people participate in direct action in order to influence government decisions.
• An existing ruling that is relevant to a legal matter is known as preceden
• The High Court is at the top of the Australian legal hierarchy.
• The Magistrates/Local Court is at the bottom of the Australian legal hierarchy.
• One person can defame another by publishing something that damages that person’s reputation.
• Freedom of assembly can be limited according to the type of assembly and its location.
• Freedom of conscience applies to religious views, political views, scientific ideas or any other beliefs or ideas a person may have.
• The number of senators per state or territory is fixed to reduce the influence on parliament of the more populous states.
• When working in their electorates, local members will visit community groups, meet with concerned voters, visit schools and local organisations and take part in ceremonial duties.
• Public protests and demonstrations are the most common form of direct action in Australia.
• Negligence, trespass, defamation, nuisance and breach of contract are all examples of breaches of civil law.
• In the Australian legal system, the accused is presumed innocent and must be proven guilty by the prosecution. This is known as the burden of proof.