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Difficulty: EasyThe Opposition and Shadow Ministers

In the Australian parliamentary system, the Opposition is the second largest political party or coalition in the House of Representatives. What is the main role of a 'Shadow Minister' within the Opposition?

  1. A
    To lead a government department and manage the national budget.
  2. B
    To represent the King and give final approval to all new laws.
  3. To monitor the work of a specific government minister and suggest alternative policies.Answer

Answer

The main role of a Shadow Minister is to monitor the work of a specific government minister and suggest alternative policies.
The correct answer is correct because a Shadow Minister is an Opposition member assigned to 'shadow' or monitor a specific government minister. Their job is to keep the government accountable by closely watching the minister's work, pointing out flaws in policies, and suggesting different ways to handle issues.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the party affiliation of a Shadow Minister.
Shadow Ministers are members of the Opposition, which is the second largest party or coalition.
Knowing which side of the parliament they belong to clarifies their purpose.
2
Determine the primary objective of the Opposition.
The Opposition's role is to scrutinize the government's actions and provide a 'government in waiting'.
This establishes that they do not run the government but rather watch it closely.
3
Define the specific function of 'shadowing'.
Shadow Ministers monitor specific government portfolios (like health or defense) to point out mistakes or suggest better ways to govern.
The term 'shadow' refers to following and checking the work of a corresponding government minister.

Key Concept

The Role of Shadow Ministers

Hints

1
Think about what the word 'shadow' implies when one person follows another's work.
2
Shadow Ministers are members of the Opposition. Does the Opposition run the country or check on those who do?

Practice More

Review the composition of the 'Shadow Cabinet' and how it mirrors the Government's Cabinet structure.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

The Opposition and Shadow Ministers

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