LESSON 17.4 What makes our government system fair?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to explain the structure of the Australian government and evaluate a balance between decision-making in government.
Tune in The role key leaders play in the Australian government is determined by the principle of the separation of powers . This ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful over the other and protects our system of democracy. 1. Why do you think it’s important to have different branches of government? 2. Why do you think it is important for different leaders to work together in government? 3. What qualities do you think are essential for a good leader to enforce the principles of democracy during lawmaking?
FIGURE1 King Charles III with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Government House in 2024
17.4.1 The Australian Constitution Australia has formally written government principles outlined in one document that establish the rules by which Australia is to be governed. This is known as the Australian Constitution . The Constitution establishes the Australian Parliament and describes how Parliament works, as well as the power it holds towards decision-making for Australian citizens. It also outlines the role of the High Court of Australia. Unlike that of the United States of America, the Australian Constitution does not include a bill of rights. However, some human rights, including the right to vote, freedom of religion and trial by jury are mentioned. The Australian Constitution enables Parliament to make laws on topics that affect all Australians. It is important to understand the Constitution to further understand lawmaking to ensure our democratic form of government. 17.4.2 Roles and responsibilities in government The Australian Constitution is divided into eight chapters. The first three chapters define the independent powers of the three main branches of government:
• The legislature (the area of government that makes and changes laws) • The executive (the area of government that administers and enforces the law) • The judiciary (the area of government that interprets and applies the law)
510 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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