1. System of Government 2

2. Learning Intentions Students will: Success Criteria:
Describe how government is ‘formed’ in Australia
Compare the role of the House of Representatives and Senate
Discuss the historical reasons for the current model of government in Australia
Success Criteria:
Quiz completed
Notes taken
Engaged in class discussion

3. What is Australia’s system of gov?
Representative liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy
But how do we actually decide who forms government in Australia?
We use a ‘Westminster’ system to decide this.

4. Westminster Government
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Westminster Government
Refers to the UK parliament system (which is based in the suburb of Westminster), which Australia also uses. Has several features:
A Head of State with mostly ceremonial powers (Governor General, on behalf of the Queen)
A Prime Minister (PM), selected by a majority of parliament to head the government
A ‘ministry’ of people assigned with specific responsibilities (i.e. Minister for Health)
A ‘cabinet’ of the PM & senior ministers to make executive decisions

5. Westminster Government
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Westminster Government
Most often compared to the American Presidential system, which is quiet different.

6. What is Australia’s system of gov?
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What is Australia’s system of gov?
Representative liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy
constitutional monarchy: A King or Queen is the head of state with a constitution (set of rules) that they must rule by. In practice, parliament makes all decisions.

7. What is Australia’s system of gov?
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In page centre
What is Australia’s system of gov?
Representative liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy

8. Homework
Complete Class Quiz (Posted to Edmodo)