Question

Difficulty: MediumLegislative Power (Parliament)

The Australian Constitution specifies that 'legislative power'—the power to make and change laws—is held by the Federal Parliament. Which group of components correctly represents the complete composition of this Parliament?

  1. A
    The Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the senior judges of the High Court of Australia
  2. The King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of RepresentativesAnswer
  3. C
    The Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and the Premiers of each state and territory

Answer

The King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives
The Australian Constitution defines the Federal Parliament as the holder of legislative power. It specifies that this body consists of the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Each of these three parts must agree for a new law (a Bill) to be enacted.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'legislative power' in the Australian system
Legislative power is the authority to make and change laws for the nation.
Understanding the function helps distinguish it from executive or judicial powers.
2
Determine which body is granted this power by the Constitution
The power is vested in the Federal Parliament.
Section 1 of the Australian Constitution specifically names the Federal Parliament as the seat of legislative power.
3
Identify the three constitutional parts of the Federal Parliament
The components are the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
The Constitution requires all three parts to work together to pass new laws.

Key Concept

The composition of the Federal Parliament as the body of legislative power.

Hints

1
Think about the three parts that make up the Federal Parliament.
2
Legislative power belongs to the Parliament. This body includes the representative of the monarch and the two houses where laws are debated.
3
The three parts of the Federal Parliament are the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

Practice More

Review the 'Separation of Powers' to see how the Legislative power differs from Executive and Judicial power.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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