Government

7 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How does dividing government power prevent its abuse?

Explain the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial branches and the role of checks and balances.

How the three branches of government are separated and how checks and balances limit the concentration of power in Australia's system.

8 min read →

How is parliament structured and who does what within it?

Describe the structure of bicameral parliament and the roles of the two houses, the Cabinet and the Crown.

The bicameral structure of Australian and Tasmanian parliaments and the roles of the lower house, upper house, Cabinet and the Crown.

8 min read →

How does an idea become a law of parliament?

Describe the legislative process by which a bill passes through parliament and becomes an Act.

The stages a bill passes through both houses of parliament and royal assent to become an Act, with Tasmanian and Commonwealth detail.

8 min read →

How can the Constitution be changed and how has the federal balance shifted?

Explain how the Constitution is changed through referendum under section 128 and how the balance of power between the Commonwealth and the states has changed over time.

How section 128 referendums change the Constitution, why most fail, and the ways the Commonwealth and state balance of power has shifted over time.

8 min read →

How does the Constitution divide power between the Commonwealth and the states?

Explain how the Australian Constitution establishes federalism and divides law-making power between the Commonwealth and the states.

How the Australian Constitution creates a federal system and divides law-making power into exclusive, concurrent and residual powers.

8 min read →

What makes Australia a liberal democracy?

Explain the fundamental elements of liberal democracy, including legitimacy, representative government and responsible government.

The fundamental elements of liberal democracy and how representative and responsible government make Australia's Westminster system legitimate and accountable.

8 min read →

What is the status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian legal and political system?

Describe the status and key issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and legal and political system.

The constitutional and legal status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from terra nullius and the 1967 referendum to native title and constitutional recognition.

8 min read →