Legal Studies - SAC 1

- Constitutional Monarchy / Representative Democracy
- Bi Cameral

.

States House: Each state has 12 senators regardless of size. Ensures laws are in the best interest of the community
House of Review: Reviews bills. Reject / amend. Ensures changes are not too radical

The senate simply signs off legislation without seriously reviewing it
Vote along party lines Majority elected belong to a political party.

.

.

Government is answerable to parliament and therefore the people.
Act fairly and responsibly Question time Public scrutiny
Government chosen through support in the lower house Loses support must resign
Doctrine of Ministerial Responsibility: Ministers are responsible for their actions and their departments actions (portfolios)

Government elected by the people for the people through regular elections Fail to represent peoples wishes --> kicked out at election time.
Members of the lower house are democratically elected to represent areas with approx 90 000 voters Represent views and opinions of the majority of the people.

For our legal / political systems to be effective, three different branches of power held by the commonwealth must be separated. Defined in constitution Legislative power (parliaments power to make laws) Includes crown, upper house / lower house.
Executive power (power to administer laws / affairs of state) Crown, executive council
Judiciary: enforce and interpret laws

No one body has total control / power
Corruption / abuse of power can be avoided Judges ---> political pressure ---> legal system eroded
Each branch check up on each other