The Governor-General of Australia holds several formal roles, including acting as the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force and presiding over the Federal Executive Council. According to the principles of Australia's constitutional monarchy, how are these executive powers actually exercised in practice?
- AThe Governor-General exercises these powers independently of the government to ensure that military and executive decisions remain neutral and free from political influence.
- The Governor-General exercises these powers by acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers who are responsible to the Parliament.Answer
- CThe Governor-General must seek a majority vote from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before any executive or military decision can be finalized.
Answer
The Governor-General exercises these powers by acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers who are responsible to the Parliament.
The correct answer accurately reflects the constitutional convention where the Governor-General, despite holding high formal offices like Commander-in-Chief, acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This ensures that the executive branch of government remains accountable to the Australian people through their elected representatives.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Principle of Acting on Advice
Hints
1
Think about who is actually responsible for the day-to-day running of the Australian government.
2
The Governor-General is the King's representative and must remain neutral, but they still act as part of the government structure.
3
Consider the term 'advice'—in the Australian Constitution, this word has a very specific meaning regarding the relationship between the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
Practice More
Review the concept of 'Responsible Government' and how the Federal Executive Council functions.
Estimated Time:1m 30s