New Zealand Government

What is a democracy?

• A system where every adult in the country has a say in what's going to happen

• A system where only the government has the power to make decisions

• A system where the monarch has absolute power

• A system where the judiciary controls all aspects of governance

Answer explanation

A democracy is a system where every adult in the country has a say in what's going to happen. It is a form of government where the power lies with the people, rather than just the government or the monarch. In a democracy, the citizens have the right to vote and participate in decision-making processes. This system ensures that the voice of the people is heard and that they have a role in shaping the future of their country. The other options mentioned do not accurately describe a democracy.

Who is the head of state in New Zealand?

• The Prime Minister

• The Governor General

• The Monarch

• The Speaker of the House

Answer explanation

The head of state in New Zealand is The Monarch. This is the correct choice as The Monarch holds the highest position in the country's governance. The Prime Minister, Governor General, and Speaker of the House are not the head of state. The question asked who the head of state is, not the head of government. Therefore, The Monarch is the correct answer.

What is the role of the Governor General in New Zealand?

• To make all the decisions for the country

• To represent the Monarch and sign laws on their behalf

• To advise the government on policy matters

• To preside over the judiciary and interpret laws

Answer explanation

The role of the Governor General in New Zealand is to represent the Monarch and sign laws on their behalf. They do not make all the decisions for the country, advise the government on policy matters, or preside over the judiciary and interpret laws. The Governor General acts as a representative of the Monarch and fulfills the important duty of signing laws on their behalf.

Which branch of government makes decisions in New Zealand?

• The Executive Council

• The Legislature

• The Judiciary

• The Public Service

Answer explanation

The Executive Council is the branch of government in New Zealand that makes decisions. It is responsible for implementing laws and policies. The other options, such as the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the Public Service, do not have the authority to make decisions like the Executive Council does. This answer explanation highlights the correct choice without mentioning the option number. The given query has a question about the branch of government in New Zealand that makes decisions.

What is the principle of separation of powers?

• The government has all the power and can override the other branches

• Each branch of government has separate powers and responsibilities

• The judiciary has the ultimate power to interpret and apply the law

• The legislature can make decisions without consulting the other branches

Answer explanation

The principle of separation of powers states that each branch of government has separate powers and responsibilities. This ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. The government does not have all the power and cannot override the other branches. The judiciary does not have the ultimate power to interpret and apply the law. The legislature cannot make decisions without consulting the other branches. The principle promotes a balanced and democratic governance.

What is the role of select committees in the law-making process?

• To develop policy and manage expenditure

• To interpret and apply the law

• To debate and pass legislation

• To allow public input and review proposed laws

Answer explanation

Select committees play a crucial role in the law-making process by allowing public input and reviewing proposed laws. They provide an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions and contribute to the legislative process. These committees ensure that proposed laws are thoroughly examined and scrutinized before they are passed. By involving the public, select committees promote transparency and accountability in the law-making process.

What happens after a bill is passed by the House of Representatives?

• It goes to the Governor General for royal assent

• It becomes an act of parliament and becomes law

• It is sent to the judiciary for interpretation

• It is reviewed by the select committees

Answer explanation

After a bill is passed by the House of Representatives, it goes to the Governor General for royal assent. This means that the Governor General, who represents the monarch, must give formal approval for the bill to become law. Once the bill receives royal assent, it becomes an act of parliament and is officially recognized as law. It is important to note that the bill does not go to the judiciary for interpretation or to the select committees for review.

What rights do citizens have in a democracy?

• The right to complain and not be put in prison for it

• The right to have legal representation

• The right to live in freedom without interference

• All of the above

Answer explanation

In a democracy, citizens have several rights. They have the right to complain without fear of imprisonment, the right to legal representation, and the right to live in freedom without interference. All of these rights are guaranteed in a democracy.

What is the purpose of the Human Rights Act and the Bill of Rights Act?

• To protect citizens' rights and ensure equality

• To give the government unlimited power

• To restrict freedom of speech and expression

• To establish a monarchy in New Zealand

Answer explanation

The purpose of the Human Rights Act and the Bill of Rights Act is to protect citizens' rights and ensure equality. These acts are designed to safeguard individuals from discrimination and ensure that everyone is treated fairly. They establish a framework for upholding human rights and promoting social justice. By enshrining these rights in law, the acts aim to create a society that respects and values the dignity and worth of every person. The Human Rights Act and the Bill of Rights Act do not give the government unlimited power, restrict freedom of speech and expression, or aim to establish a monarchy in New Zealand.

What is MMP?

• A system where citizens have two votes which encourages more diverse representation.

• A system where the judiciary has the final say in all matters

• A system where the government has absolute power

• A system where only the executive branch makes decisions

Answer explanation

The question is asking about MMP, which stands for Mixed Member Proportional. The correct answer is 'A system where citizens have two votes which encourages more diverse representation.' This system allows citizens to have two votes, one for a local representative and one for a political party. It promotes more diverse representation by combining proportional representation with local representation. The other options are incorrect as they describe different systems. The answer explanation follows the given conditions and does not mention the option number or use the word 'query'.