Year 10 Civics and Citizenship

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Australian Constitution

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This document is the supreme law of Australia, outlining the structure of government, the powers of the federal and state governments, and the rights of citizens

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Federation

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This term refers to the process by which six separate British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901

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Constitution

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This document outlines the principles by which a nation is governed, including the rules for the three branches of governance – the parliament, the executive, and the courts – and some of the rights of its citizens

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High Court

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This is the highest court in Australia, which has the authority to interpret and apply the law of Australia, decide cases of special federal significance including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws, and hear appeals

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Rule of Law

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This principle states that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law that is fairly applied and enforced. It ensures that no one is above the law and that laws are applied equally to all citizens

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Specific Powers

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These are the powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Australian Constitution in s51

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Residual Powers

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These are the powers that remain with the state governments after federation, as they are not listed in the Australian Constitution

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Referendum

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This is a vote by the electorate on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution

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Exclusive Powers

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These are the powers that only the federal government can exercise, as specified in the Australian Constitution

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Concurrent Powers

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These are the powers that both the federal and state governments can exercise, as outlined in the Australian Constitution