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Difficulty: MediumLegislative Power (Parliament)

If the Australian Government needs to introduce a new law that applies to the entire nation, such as a law regarding national security or currency, which body holds the 'legislative power' to debate, amend, and pass this law under the Constitution?

  1. The Federal ParliamentAnswer
  2. B
    The Executive Government
  3. C
    The State and Territory Parliaments

Answer

The Federal Parliament
The Federal Parliament is the only body with the 'legislative power' to make and change laws for the Commonwealth of Australia. This power is granted by the Australian Constitution and requires the involvement of the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the term 'legislative power'.
Legislative power is the authority to make and change laws.
Understanding the function of the power is the first step in identifying who holds it.
2
Identify the body authorized by the Constitution to exercise this power for national matters.
The Australian Constitution specifically vests the legislative power of the Commonwealth in the Federal Parliament.
The Constitution is the legal framework that divides power among different branches of government.
3
Distinguish between the different branches of government.
The Parliament (Legislative) makes laws, the Executive puts them into action, and the Judiciary interprets them.
This prevents confusing the law-making body with the law-enforcing or law-interpreting bodies.

Key Concept

Legislative Power (Parliament)

Hints

1
Think about which branch of government is responsible for 'making' laws rather than 'enforcing' them.
2
Legislative power belongs to the branch that consists of representatives who debate bills in two 'houses'.

Practice More

Review the components of the Federal Parliament to understand how the King, the Senate, and the House of Representatives work together.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Legislative Power (Parliament)

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