Instructions
Read each section carefully and complete the activities to test your knowledge of Australian laws, rules, and government.
Part A: Rules vs. Laws
A rule is a guideline for a specific place or group (like a school or a sports team). A law is a rule for everyone in a community, state, or country, and is enforced by the police and courts. Decide if each statement below is an example of a rule or a law.
- You must wear a seatbelt when in a moving car. _______________
- Do not run in the library. _______________
- You must be 18 or older to vote in a federal election. _______________
- Raise your hand before speaking in class. _______________
- Stealing from a shop is a crime. _______________
- You must complete your homework by Friday. _______________
Part B: Three Levels of Government
Australia has three levels of government: Federal, State/Territory, and Local. Each level has different responsibilities. Match the responsibility to the correct level of government by writing Federal, State/Territory, or Local in the blank space.
| Responsibility | Level of Government |
|---|---|
| Collecting rubbish from homes. | _________________________ |
| Managing the army and navy (Defence). | _________________________ |
| Running public schools and hospitals. | _________________________ |
| Issuing Australian passports and managing immigration. | _________________________ |
| Maintaining local parks and swimming pools. | _________________________ |
| Creating and managing main roads and public transport. | _________________________ |
Part C: How a Law is Made
Complete the following paragraph using the words from the word bank below. Each word is used only once.
When a new law is proposed in Australia, it starts as an idea called a (1) _______________. This idea is introduced to (2) _______________, which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The members debate the idea and then (3) _______________ on it. If it is passed by both houses, it is sent to the (4) _______________ for Royal Assent. Once it is signed, the Bill officially becomes a (5) _______________ that all Australians must follow.
Part D: Key Government Terms
Match the term on the left with its correct definition on the right. Write the letter of the correct definition in the space provided.
|
1. _____ Democracy 2. _____ Constitution 3. _____ Citizen 4. _____ Referendum 5. _____ Electorate |
A. A legal member of a country. B. A vote by all citizens to change the Constitution. C. A geographical area represented by a member of parliament. D. A system of government where people elect representatives to make decisions for them. E. The set of basic rules and principles by which a country is governed. |
Part E: Thinking Deeper
In your own words, explain two reasons why it is important for a society to have laws.
Answer Key
Part A: Rules vs. Laws
- Law
- Rule
- Law
- Rule
- Law
- Rule
Part B: Three Levels of Government
| Responsibility | Level of Government |
|---|---|
| Collecting rubbish from homes. | Local |
| Managing the army and navy (Defence). | Federal |
| Running public schools and hospitals. | State/Territory |
| Issuing Australian passports and managing immigration. | Federal |
| Maintaining local parks and swimming pools. | Local |
| Creating and managing main roads and public transport. | State/Territory |
Part C: How a Law is Made
1. Bill
2. Parliament
3. vote
4. Governor-General
5. law
Part D: Key Government Terms
1. D
2. E
3. A
4. B
5. C
Part E: Thinking Deeper
(Answers will vary but should include concepts such as...)
- To keep people safe and protect their rights and property.
- To provide order and predictability in society, so people know what is expected of them.
- To ensure fairness and resolve disagreements peacefully.
- To set standards for society (e.g., in health, education, and the environment).