Principles of the Australian parliamentary System
Representative government- means that the government must represent the views and interests of the people who voted them in. if they fail to do so then they will not be elected the next time, or could be kicked out of the parliament by the Governor General. Responsible government- the government must be answerable to the people and the parliament for its actions. If they fail to do so then they won’t be re-elected. Separation of power The power of government is divided into 3 main factions, Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. This is done so no-absolute person or body holds all the powers of the government and also so to prevent the parliament from possible abuse over power. Legislature- is in chapter one of the commonwealth constitution, which is made up of the parliament members. They have the power to make laws. Executive- is in chapter two of the commonwealth constitution, made up of the Prime Minster and its Cabinet. They have the power to administer laws. Judiciary- is in chapter three of the commonwealth constitution, made up of the courts. They have the power to interpret and enforce laws.
Structure of the Victorian parliament and Commonwealth parliament
Victorian parliament Legislative assembly (lower house)- is known as the peoples house. It represents the majority of people by having one member from each of the 88 electorates in Victoria. Its main role is to make law and form government. Legislative Council (upper house)- has 40 representatives, 4 from each of the 8 regions in Victoria. Its main role is review the laws passed from the lower house.
Commonwealth parliament House of Representatives (lower house)- is more causally known as the peoples house, which is made up of 150 electorates. The role of the lower house is to introduce & change laws, Delegate legislation, Control the Budget, Set up Committees and Debate bills & laws. Senate (upper house)- is