Part 3 of 4
Government and the law in Australia
Federation and the Constitution, how parliament and government share power, voting, referendums, and how to raise an issue with your representatives.
11 topics · 125 practice questions · about 34 min to read
Topics in this part
- Australian Constitution8 minThe Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900, also called the Australian Constitution, is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia.
- Australian Electoral Commission4 minThe Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent Commonwealth agency.
- Citizenship pledge1 minAt the citizenship ceremony, part of the pledge is a commitment to uphold and obey the laws of Australia.Also covered in Part 2, Democratic beliefs and rights
- Executive power1 minExecutive power is the power to put laws into practice once they exist.
- Federation3 minBefore 1901, Australia was made up of six separate self-governing British colonies, each with its own constitution and its own laws on matters such as defence, immigration, postage, trade and transport.
- Legislative power3 minLegislative power is the power to make laws.
- Raising matters with representatives2 minAustralian citizens can contact their elected representative to raise concerns about government policy.
- Referenda3 minA referendum is how the Australian people vote to change the Constitution.
- Separation of powers1 minThe Australian Constitution divides the power of government between legislative power (making laws), executive power (putting them into practice) and judicial power (applying and interpreting them).
- System of government1 minAustralia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy.
- Voting7 minAustralian citizens aged 18 or over must enrol to vote in federal, state and territory elections and in referenda on constitutional change.