The Roles of the Crown and Houses of Parliament in Law Making

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To make laws Determining Government Provide for representative government Each member represents equal number of electors Provide for responsible government Petitions presented, Issued raised during question time. Scrutinise government Debates, policy statements, discussions, question time Controlling government spending Government can only collect taxes or spend public money if law is passed by parliament

Reviewing laws Providing representative government Safeguard interests of states – each state elects equal number of senators Providing responsible government Party in Government does not necessarily hold majority of seats in the senate Scrutinising government Especially when government doesn’t have majority of seats Senate can question actions effectively.

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Read “Pressure to Legislate (pg 224) and complete this table Role of the Senate Read “Pressure to Legislate (pg 224) and complete this table Strengths Weaknesses

Strengths of the Senate Forms an integral part of ‘Separation of Powers’ – provides checks and balances on the power of the executives – makes Government accountable and exposes misconduct. Reviews legislation to improve bills with amendments or defeats unwise legislation Mostly outside the control of the Government of the day (no majority) Provides a broader sense of representation (represents smaller states and supporters or opposition (independents) Allows for input from smaller parties by providing opportunities for them to discuss their ideas – helps foster respect for the diversity of the Australian community. Has a committee process that allows for detailed study of issues Better representation of citizens through petitions as independents better represented. Sits for longer and devotes more time to individual pieces of legislation

Weaknesses of the Senate Senators often vote according to party policies Empowers small parties who may effectively have the power to veto laws supported by Government in House of Reps. Disproportionate representation of states and territories 6 year terms can insulate senators from full impact of changes in view of the electorate – thus diminish degree senators are responsive to electorate.

Cabinet A meeting of Ministers Most members of the Cabinet are ministers with a ‘portfolio’ Members of Cabinet determine the general policy for Government. Most bills are approved by cabinet before they are presented to parliament.

Role of the Crown To grant royal assent to legislation To appoint the times of the holding of parliament To bring and end to a session of parliament without dissolving it To dissolve the House of Representatives and bring about an election To cause writs to be issues for the general election of member of the House of Representatives To choose and summon executive councillors (ministers and parliamentary secretaries) and to appoint minister of state for Australia.

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