The Australian Constitution specifically lists the areas where the Federal Parliament has the authority to make laws for the entire country. What happens to the law-making responsibilities that are not included in this specific list?
- They remain with the States and can be managed by State Parliaments.Answer
- BThey are automatically passed to the Federal Parliament to ensure laws are consistent across the country.
- CThey are managed by the Governor-General to keep them separate from the daily work of the government.
Answer
The law-making responsibilities not listed in the Constitution remain with the State governments and their parliaments.
The correct answer is that these powers remain with the States. The Australian Constitution lists specific 'enumerated' powers for the Federal Parliament. Anything not included in that list is considered a 'residual power,' which belongs to the State governments, such as management of schools, hospitals, and police.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Division of Powers (Residual Powers)
Hints
1
Think about whether the Federal government has the power to do everything, or if its powers are limited.
2
The powers listed in the Constitution are for the Federal Parliament. Those 'left over' are called residual powers.
Practice More
Review common examples of State responsibilities, such as public transport and local roads, to see residual powers in action.
Estimated Time:45s