Bits+'n'+Pieces-AR

GOVERNMENT PROJECT

1. Federation

When did this occur? Federation occurred on 1st January 1901.

What did this mean for Australia’s colonies? This meant that Australia’s colonies became states, formed Australia and transferred some of their power to the Commonwealth Government.

Explain the role of the Governor General. The Governor General-Ms Quentin Bryce- has the job of acting as the Queen for the Commonwealth of Australia, as head of state. She approves laws and helps the government run.

What is the Constitution? The Constitution is a set of rules by which Australia is governed. The Constitution describes how parliament is composed, how it works, lists the powers of parliaments & defines how federal and state parliaments share some power. It can only be changed by a referendum and has only been changed 8 times.

Explain the meaning of federalism and bicameralism. The meaning of federalism is a system of government, which in power is divided between a central authority and constituent-being a voting member of a community or orginisation and having the power to elect-political units. The meaning of bicameralism is a legislate body having two houses or chambers is the parliament house in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

2. Three Tiered System

Explain the three levels of government in Australia. The three levels of government are: - Federal Parliament - State Parliament - Local Parliament Federal Parliament The decision making body of the Federal Government (Federal Parliament), consists of two houses or chambers. One of the houses (which is green) is the House of Representatives and the other (which is red) is called the Senate. There are 150 members in the House of Representatives. There are also 150 electorates and each member represents a separate electorate. A federal election must be held every 3 years because Australia's constitution limits the time members are in the parliament house. There are 12 senators for each state and 2 senators for each territory. State senators are elected to parliament for a term of 6 years and territory senators 3 years. The leader of the federal government is called the Prime Minister (PM) and federal parliament is the highest level of government. State and Territory Parliament The decision making body of State Government (State Parliament) which meets in the Parliament House of the particular state. Each State Parliament, with the exception of Queensland Parliament, is made up of two houses. Representatives elected to state parliaments are generally known as 'members'. The leader of a state is called the 'premier'. The territory has a different arrangement. Each Territory Parliament only has one house called the Legislative Assembly. The leader of a territory is called the Chief Minister and State & Territory Parliament is the 2nd level of government. Local Parliament The decision making body of local government (local parliament) is usually called the city or shire council. Councils are established to look after the particular needs of the city or local community. The people's representatives who form the council are aldermen or councilors. The leader of the council is the mayor or shire president & Local Parliament is the lowest level of government.

Write a brief explanation on the roles and responsibilities of each level of government. The Federal Government has many responsibilities. They include: Foreign affairs-things that happen in a different country, Currency-money, Social Security-welfare payments, Trade-buying & selling, Defence-the army & air force, Industrial relations-formulates policies for managers, Immigration-when people go to live in another country. The State and Territories also have responsibilities. They include: Justice-courts and emergency services, Health-hospitals, ambulances& community health services, Education-primary schools, high schools & universities, Forestry-maintaining trees, Public Transport-buses & trains, Main Roads- motorways & highways, Consumer Affairs-to ensure fair trade. The Local Government or Councils responsibilities include: Local road maintenance-fixing local roads, Public health-local health services, Recreation facilities-swimming pools and parks, Land subdivisions & building regulations-controls buildings, Garbage collection.

Name the title for the leaders of each level of government. The Federal Government’s leader is called the Prime Minister (PM). Other members of parliament are called members of parliament (MP). The current prime minister is Julia Gillard. The State Government leaders are called the Premier. The current premiers are: Barry O'Farrell, Ted Baillieu, Campbell Newman, Jay Weatherill, Colin Barnett & Lara Giddings. The Territory Government leaders are called Chief Ministers. The current chief ministers are: Terry Mills & Katy Gallagher.

The Local Government leaders are called councillors, mayors or aldermen. Some of the current councillors are: John Ajaka, Jan Barham, Niall Blair, David Clark, Sophie Cotsis, Greg Donnelly, Luke Foley, Paul Green, Don Harwin, John Kaye, Charlie Lynn, Fred Nile, Adam Searle and many more.

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

Draft Bill-Only if the cabinet approves of the bill is it alright to be introduced into parliament.

House of Representatives-First Reading, reading of the title and year. Second Reading-the minister reads out the contents of the bill and also presents arguments for it to be accepted. A debate occurs on the bill until it is agreed to be read a second time.

Committee Stage-The bill is broken down into separate parts, investigated & debated. With simple and

important bills this stage can be passed.

Senate-A similar process occurs when the bill reaches the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate represents the states & territories & has the role to review & question the bill if they don't believe it's in the best interest of all Australians.

Governor-General -Once the bill has passed both houses of parliament the Governor or Governor-General signs the bill it becomes an act of parliament.

3. Coat of Arms

Explain the symbol on the Australian coat of arms. Include an image of the coat of arms in your response.



The Australian Coat of arms consists of a shield with the red kangaroo and an emu on the right. There are also 6 symbols on the shield representing the 6 states. New South Wales is the cross of St. George with a lion and stars, Victoria is an Imperial Crown and the Southern Cross, Queensland is a Blue Maltese Cross and a Crown, South Australia is the Australian piping shrike, Western Australia is a black swan, Tasmania is a red walking lion.Beneath the shield is a scroll with the word Australia written in it. Wattle sprays form a background. The coat of arms is one of the symbols of federation. The Commonwealth uses it to identify its authority and property.

4. The Prime Minister

List some task of the Australia Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister is the most powerful person in Parliament, is a member of Parliament in the House of representatives & has many tasks. Some include:

- Deciding when to call an election and leading the election

- Representing the Australian Government overseas

- Selecting other members & senators from the same party to be ministers

and many more.

5. Voting and Elections

Write a short explanation of the voting process in Australia.

Polling day is always on a Saturday. They are open between 8am & 6pm & are usually located at schools, halls or public buildings. When you enter you will be directed to an issuing table. There you will speak to a ballot paper issuing officer who will ask you some questions, then give you your ballot paper. You will then be directed to a polling booth set up around the room to cast your vote in private. As you approach the exit there will be 2 boxes where you place your completed ballot papers. The boxes will be clearly marked and there will be a person to assist you.

6. Political Parties

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

Australian Labor Party-The stars represent the Southern Cross & the blue & red represent Australia's relationship with Britain.

Liberal Party-The rectangles make an L & there is a picture of the Australian Flag.

The National Party-The green & gold represent Aussie colours.

The Greens-The green background represents the environment.

Australian Democrats-Democrats means 'have your say' & the green & gold are Aussie colours.

7. Australian Perspective

Democracy-explain in your own words what democracy means.

The definition of Democracy is al citizens being equal & free. Democracy is also where citizens are in control of the government.

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

I think in Australia we have fair government. I think we have a fair government because every body gets to have their say and its there choice if they use it properly.