7 Humanities – The Constitution

Part A: Read the following:

The Australian Constitution sets out the laws by which Australia is governed. Australia is a constitutional
monarchy; the monarch is represented by the Governor-General. The Constitution outlines the bicameral
structure of the national parliament (two houses). It sets the role of the national government of Australia,
referred to as the Commonwealth Government. It states which powers are given to the Commonwealth and
which reside with the six state governments (the division of powers). The Constitution gives the High Court
the authority to resolve disputes between the two levels of government. The High Court is also the final
court of appeal for all legal matters in Australia. The Constitution can only be changed by referendum.

Part B: General Questions (use the information above and your own knowledge to
answer in your books):

Literal

1. What is a constitution?
2. What is the purpose of a constitution?
3. What does it mean to be a constitutional monarchy?
4. Who represents the monarch in Australia?
5. How many ‘houses’ are there in national parliament?
6. What is the role of the high court in government?

Inferred

7. Which monarchy are we ruled by?

8. Who is the monarch of the British monarchy?
9. What is a Commonwealth nation?
10. What is a referendum?

Interpretive:

11. Who is the Governor General of Australia?

12. Who is the Prime Minister of Australia?
13. Which party currently governs Australia?
14. What is the difference in roles between the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Part C: Spelling words (Copy into your books x 3)

constitution bicameral parliament Commonwealth government monarchy

Governor authority division referendum

Part D: Cloze Activity – Fill in the blanks (write the missing words in your books)

The Australian _____________________ sets out the laws by which Australia is governed. Australia is a
constitutional ________________; the monarch is represented by the _______________-General. The
Constitution outlines the ___________________ structure of the national ____________________ (two
houses). It sets the role of the national ___________________ of Australia, referred to as the
_______________________ Government. It states which powers are given to the Commonwealth and which
reside with the six state governments (the ________________ of powers). The Constitution gives the High
Court the ________________ to resolve disputes between the two levels of government. The High Court is
also the final court of appeal for all legal matters in Australia. The Constitution can only be changed by
___________________.

Part E: Paragraph Writing (Answer in your books. Aim to write at least half a page)

The Australian constitution is one of the key features of the Australian government. It clearly sets out how
our country’s political and legal system is to operate.

What is the Constitution and its purpose?

Explain this statement in the form of an extended response (using the PEEL paragraph structure). Write in
complete sentences. Make sure you use the key terms given below in your paragraph response.

Key terms to use: government federal state preamble Senate parliament

Point or Topic A topic sentence clearly states the topic of the paragraph and is related to the
Sentence question.

Elaborate / In one to three sentences, elaborate or explain in more detail and information about
explain the topic sentence.

Evidence/ Include evidence from sources or an example to support the topic sentence and/or
Examples each point.

Link – Concluding Links back to the topic sentence (restatement of your point or argument) and
Statement answers the key question.