Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Governor-General

In Australia's constitutional monarchy, the Governor-General represents the King and performs several important duties. When the Federal Parliament passes a bill, what must the Governor-General do before that bill can officially become an Australian law?

  1. Give Royal Assent by signing the billAnswer
  2. B
    Send the bill to the King in London for a personal signature
  3. C
    Organise a national referendum to let citizens vote on the bill

Answer

The Governor-General must give Royal Assent by signing the bill.
The correct answer is correct because 'Royal Assent' is the constitutional term for the Governor-General signing a bill that has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This act is the final step required for a bill to officially become an Act of Parliament (a law).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the final stage of the law-making process in the Federal Parliament.
A bill must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Both houses of Parliament must agree on the proposed law before it can move to the final stage.
2
Determine the role of the Governor-General in this process.
The Governor-General signs the bill on behalf of the King.
As the King's representative, the Governor-General provides the 'Royal Assent' required for the bill to become law.

Key Concept

Royal Assent and the Role of the Governor-General in Law-making

Hints

1
Think about the special term used when a representative of the Monarchy signs a document to approve it.
2
The Governor-General acts as the 'head of state' representative. Their signature is called 'Royal Assent'.
3
The process involves the House of Representatives, the Senate, and then the Governor-General's signature. This signature is not a public vote or a trip to London.

Practice More

Review the specific roles of the Senate and House of Representatives in the law-making process to understand how a bill reaching the Governor-General's desk.
Estimated Time:45s
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