Question

The means by which the Australian constitution acts as a check of parliament in law-making, including (HERBS):

High court interpreting the Australian constitution
Express protection of rights
Requirement of double majority in a referendum
Bicameral structure
Separation of powers

Answer 1

The Australian Constitution acts as a check on the Parliament by interpreting the Constitution, protecting rights, requiring double majority in a referendum, having a bicameral structure, and ensuring separation of powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Australian Constitution acts as a check on the Parliament in law-making through various means:

1. The High Court interprets the Australian Constitution to ensure that laws made by Parliament are consistent with it.
2. The Constitution includes an express protection of rights that limits the power of Parliament to infringe upon individual liberties.
3. A double majority (a majority of voters overall and a majority in a majority of states) is required in a referendum to change the Constitution, which serves as a check on Parliament's ability to amend the Constitution at will.
4. The Australian Parliament has a bicameral structure with two houses (the Senate and the House of Representatives), which allows for independent consideration and review of legislation before it becomes law.
5. The Constitution also establishes a system of separation of powers, dividing the powers of governance among the Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.