Question

Difficulty: MediumHow Laws are Made (Legislative Process)

In the Australian Parliament, a proposal for a new law is called a bill. After a bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, what is the final step required for it to become a law?

  1. It must receive Royal Assent from the Governor-GeneralAnswer
  2. B
    It must be approved by the High Court of Australia
  3. C
    It must be signed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet

Answer

The final step required for a bill to become law is receiving Royal Assent from the Governor-General.
The correct answer states that the bill must receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General. Under the Australian Constitution, the Parliament consists of the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives. A bill only becomes an Act of Parliament (a law) once the Governor-General provides the formal signature known as Royal Assent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Introduction and Debate
The bill is discussed, debated, and voted on in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Both houses of Parliament must agree on the final text of the bill.
2
Passing the Bill
The bill is passed by a majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
A bill cannot proceed to the final stage unless both houses approve it.
3
Royal Assent
The Governor-General signs the bill on behalf of the King.
This formal signature, known as Royal Assent, is the constitutional requirement for a bill to become an Act of Parliament (a law).

Key Concept

The Legislative Process in Australia

Hints

1
Think about who represents the King in Australia's constitutional monarchy.
2
The process involves three parts of Parliament: the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Head of State's representative.

Practice More

Review the 'three parts of the Federal Parliament' to understand how they work together to make laws.
Estimated Time:45s
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