1
Q
What is constitutional government?
A
- A written constitution that acts as basis of the State. Places legal limitations on what governments can do.
- It is the high courts duty to interpret the constitution
- Difficult to change on purpose
2
Q
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A
- British crown is the formal head of state, GG and SG are the crowns representatives
- Laws are not laws until the crown grants ascent
- Crown is the ultimate source of sovereignty, but, is complicated by popular sovereignty through referendum clause
3
Q
What is strong bicameralism?
A
The division of parliament into 2 chambers (except for QLD and territory)
4
Q
What are the properties of a bicameral government?
A
- ‘Strong’ because most Aus Upper Houses have nearly-equal powers to their Lower Houses, can block legislation and budgets
- Clashes with majoritarianism, because it creates roadblocks to majority
5
Q
What is majoritarianism?
A
- Electoral systems, political parties, and parliaments all make an ‘absolute majority’ the threshold for most decisions/appointments
- There are limited concessions for minorities. Not a consensus or rights based culture.
6
Q
A
