EV-BITS'N'PIECES

__ Government Research Task __ 1. __Federation__

When did it occur?

In 1901 Federation started. Australia was one continent with six colonies, as South Australia and the Northen Territory were together before 1901.

What did it mean for Australia's colonies?

When all six colonies joined they all had to follow the laws. Australia came one.

Explain the role of the Governor General?

The Governor General represents the queen. He also represents the army.

What is the constitution?

Australia's constitution is an important document because it sets out the rules by which the nation is governed.

Explain the meaning of **federalism** and **bicameralism**.

Federalism- is Australia's federal nation

Bicameralism- is the two houses. House Of Reperesentives, represents the people and the Senate represents the voters.

2. __Three Tired System__

Explain the three levels of government.

There are three levels of government. Federal, state and local. Federal government is government for all of Australia. State government is government for each state. Local government is in your local area. Each level of government is ran by Parliament. They are response able for road, public health issues and environmental management.

Write a brief explanation on the roles and responsibilities of each level of government.

Federal government is Parliament. Federal government controls defence, foreign affairs, trade and immigration. The Prime Minster controls a lot of this.

State government controls health education, transport, agriculture, and forests. There are 7state government places. There is one for each state.

There are over 650 local governments in Australia. There in control of dog control, recreation space, waste management and building regulations.

Name the tittle for the leaders of each level of government.

The leader for the federal government is the Prime Minster, Tony Abbott. The leader for local government is the mayor. And the leader for state government is the Premier.

How are decisions made and passed into law at state and federal level?

Minsters introduce bills, then try to persuade Parliament to do it. If Parliament says yes, the bill becomes a law. The government then carry's this out as a policy. Members can follow this with a vote.

3. __Coat Of Arms__

Explain the symbols on the Australian Coat Of Arms.

The Australian Coat Of Arms has a shield in the middle. The middle of the shield has badges of each of Australia's six states. These are New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia. On the left of The Australian Coat Of Arms stands a red kangaroo and on the right stands an emu. The two animals stand on wattle branches, which look like open arms. The Coat of Arms is a symbol of federation. The Commonwealth Star has seven points. Six for the states and one for the two territory's. The star is also used to identify property. The Commonwealth Star is also found on you passport.

COAT OF ARMS

4. __The Prime Minster__

List some of the tasks of the Australian Prime Minster.

Tony Abbott is Australia's Prime Minster. He is the most powerful person in Parliament. Tony Abbott can be replaced at any time with another Prime Minster by a simple vote. The Prime Minster also has to do many tasks. Some of these include representing Australian government outside of Australia, Deciding when to call an election, making laws, chairing the weekly party meeting, and advising the Governor- General about important appointments.

5. __Voting and Election__

Write a short explanation on the voting process used in Australia.

Each voter writes figure 1 beside the name of who they want the most.

Then they write 2 and 3 next to the names they want second and third.

There must be a number in each square or your vote will not count. No one sees who you vote for. You can't tell anyone who you vote for, or you will get a fine!

6. __Political Parties__

Think about what each symbol represents and why they have used the colors and symbols in their logo.

The colors they have used in all of the logo's are our Australian colors. The symbols represents the parties.

7. __Australian Perspective__

Democracy- explain in your own words what democracy means.

Democracy is the leaders we choose through our votes.

Do you think Australia has a fair system of government - explain you answer?

I believe Australia has a fair system of government. They are fair because they do what Australia wants. Tony Abbott got rid of the carbon tax! Government is overseas with the crash MH17 trying to get out people home. The Australian government is fair. Voting happens fast and laws are passed well. All money will come by taxes and fundraising. I will make all the laws I wan to help our country.



PARLIAMENT HOUSE