Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumForming the Australian Government

Following a federal election in Australia, the political party or coalition that can demonstrate the support of the majority of members in a specific house of Parliament forms the government. In which house of the Australian Parliament must a party or coalition have this majority to form the government?

  1. The House of RepresentativesAnswer
  2. B
    The Senate
  3. C
    The High Court of Australia

Answer

The House of Representatives
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, the party or coalition that wins the most seats (a majority) in the House of Representatives becomes the government. Their leader is then sworn in as the Prime Minister by the Governor-General.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the process of forming a government after a federal election.
The party or coalition with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives forms the government.
This is a fundamental rule of the Westminster-style parliamentary system used in Australia.
2
Identify the specific house where the Prime Minister and government are determined.
The House of Representatives (the Lower House).
The Senate (the Upper House) represents states and territories but does not determine who governs the country.

Key Concept

The Australian Government is formed by the party or coalition of parties with the majority of members in the House of Representatives.

Hints

1
Think about which house of Parliament is often called the 'Lower House'.
2
The Prime Minister is almost always a member of this specific house.

Practice More

Review the roles of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet once the government is formed.
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Forming the Australian Government

More questions from this topic