Questions & Answers
Underlying principle of a democratic society where people are equal before the law and
constitutional law is paramount - ANSWERSRule of law
A form of democracy where every person affected by a decision takes an equal and
active part in making it - ANSWERSDirect democracy
The constitutional allocation of legislative powers between the Commonwealth and the
States - ANSWERSDivision of powers
The legislative powers that only the Commonwealth can exercise - ANSWERSExclusive
powers
The branch of government responsible for administering the laws made by parliament -
ANSWERSExecutive
The collective term for the three institutions of government which make and administer
laws and resolve disputes - ANSWERSSeparation of powers
The power exercised by adjudicating bodies with the authority to bring about just
outcomes to legal disputes - ANSWERSJudicial power
A federal partner in Australia - ANSWERSState, territory or the Commonwealth
The system adopted from Britain upon which Australia's parliamentary traditions are
founded - ANSWERSWestminster system
A parliament with two Houses or chambers - ANSWERSBicameral
A fundamental principle that judges cannot simultaneously perform a judicial and an
executive or legislative function - ANSWERSJudicial independence
System of lawmaking where members of parliament are elected to make laws for the
rest of the community - ANSWERSRepresentative government
The authority exercised by the Commonwealth Parliament to make statutes in the
national interest - ANSWERSSpecific legislative powers
The most primary public law in Australia - ANSWERSAustralian Constitution