Following a series of high-profile corruption allegations, the Commonwealth Parliament passes the National Integrity Commission Act. The Act creates a new commission with power to hold public hearings and issue orders compelling witnesses to answer questions. The Act also states that decisions of the commission are “final and conclusive” and “must not be challenged in any court”. After the Act is passed, the government proposes holding a referendum to amend the Australian Constitution so that the commission’s powers are explicitly protected from constitutional challenge. In the same sitting period, several government Bills are blocked in the Senate and the Prime Minister publicly raises the possibility of a double dissolution.
Using correct legal terminology, explain how democracy, the rule of law, representative government, responsible government, and the separation of powers doctrine are relevant to assessing the Act and the proposed referendum, and refer to how Australia’s bicameral Parliament can respond to the legislative deadlock (including the terms double dissolution and joint sitting).
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free QCE Units 3 & 4 Legal Studies practice question worth 9 marks, testing your understanding of Governance terminology. It falls under Topic 1: Governance in Australia in Unit 3: Law, governance and change. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
In Unit 3, students examine the complexities of the Australian legal system and its capacity to deal with the diversity of competing needs. They explore the role of legal institutions and law-making bodies in creating laws that reflect the views of society. Students consider the range of forces that create catalysts for change and reform, and how laws are changed or reformed to reflect shifting societal demands.
In Topic 1, students consider the processes and roles of government in shaping law in Australia and Queensland. They examine how federal and state or territory legal institutions respond to forces of change and the impact of landmark cases.
key terms using legal terminology, including democracy, the rule of law, representative government, responsible government, the Australian Constitution, separation of powers doctrine, referendum, double dissolution, joint sitting, unicameral and bicameral
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