The Australian Constitution states that the 'legislative power' of the Commonwealth is vested in a Federal Parliament. If a new Bill (a proposed law) has been debated and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, what final step must occur for it to officially become an Australian law?
- The Bill must be presented to the Governor-General to receive Royal Assent on behalf of the King.Answer
- BThe Bill must be formally signed and ratified by the Prime Minister and the members of the Cabinet.
- CThe Bill must be approved by a majority of Australian voters in a national referendum.
Answer
The Bill must receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General, acting as the representative of the King, to complete the legislative process.
The correct answer is correct because the Australian Constitution defines the Federal Parliament as consisting of three parts: the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives. For a Bill to become law, it must pass through all three parts of this structure. Royal Assent is the formal process by which the Governor-General signs the Bill into law.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Composition and Process of Federal Legislative Power
Hints
1
Think about the three specific parts that make up the Federal Parliament according to the Constitution.
2
The Governor-General plays a specific role in the law-making process that represents the Head of State.
3
Even after both houses of Parliament agree on a Bill, it needs one final signature from the person who represents the King in Australia.
Practice More
Review the 'Separation of Powers' to understand how the Legislative branch (Parliament) differs from the Executive branch (Prime Minister and Cabinet).
Estimated Time:2m 0s