WA Parliament: Your Guide - Mid-Level Quiz

1. What does it mean for Western Australia to operate as a democracy?

The King appoints the state's leaders. Only a selected few are allowed to participate in governance. Citizens choose their leaders and contribute to state governance. Laws are created by a group of non-elected individuals.

2. Where is the main Parliament building for Western Australia located?

Sydney Perth Canberra Melbourne

3. What are the names of the two primary "Houses" that constitute the WA Parliament?

The House of Lords and The House of Commons The Legislative Council and The Executive Council The Legislative Assembly and The Legislative Council The Senate and The House of Representatives

4. Which parliamentary House includes Members of Parliament (MPs) who are chosen to represent specific local areas across Western Australia?

The Legislative Council The Executive Council The House of Review The Legislative Assembly

5. What is the primary function of the Legislative Council, also known as the "Upper House" or "House of Review"?

To propose all new laws directly. To form the state's Government. To carefully examine and review proposed laws from the Legislative Assembly. To select the Premier of Western Australia.

6. How does someone typically become the Premier of Western Australia?

By being the leader of the main opposition party. By being the Governor of Western Australia. By leading the political party that wins the most seats in the Legislative Assembly. By being the longest-serving MP in the Legislative Council.

7. What is the essential role of the Opposition in the WA Parliament?

To create new laws independently. To challenge and question government decisions, ensuring accountability to the public. To represent the King within the state. To formally approve all spending bills.

8. Who acts as the official representative of the King in Western Australia?

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly The Chief Justice of Western Australia The Governor The Premier of Western Australia

9. What is the term for the Governor's action of signing a Bill to make it an official law?

Parliamentary Debate Royal Assent First Reading Public Referendum

10. In the process of law-making, which House is primarily for discussion and which serves as the main reviewing body?

The Upper House for discussion, the Lower House for review. Both Houses only discuss laws without separate review roles. The Lower House for discussion, and the Upper House for review. There are no distinct roles for discussion and review between the Houses.

11. When the Legislative Council is said to "scrutinise" Bills, what does this action involve?

Approving them quickly without detailed inspection. Voting on them without any prior debate. Conducting a thorough and critical examination of them. Making only minor changes to the Bills.

12. Explain the fundamental difference between a "Bill" and a "Law" in the legislative context.

A Bill is an international agreement, while a Law is state legislation. A Bill is a completed statute, whereas a Law is a proposed piece of legislation. A Bill is a proposed law, and a Law is a Bill that has passed Parliament and received Royal Assent. The terms "Bill" and "Law" are interchangeable and mean the same thing.

13. From the provided text, which specific area is NOT mentioned as being significantly impacted by Western Australian laws?

Public Education Standards National Defence Policy Public Healthcare Provision Environmental Conservation

14. What term describes the legal obligation for all eligible citizens in Australia to cast their vote in elections?

Voluntary Participation Discretionary Franchise Compulsory Voting Preferential Allocation

15. Beyond its legal requirement, compulsory voting in Australia is seen as a key aspect of citizens fulfilling their:

Personal interests Financial responsibilities Civic duty Professional development goals

16. When the Parliament of Western Australia was first established over 190 years ago, how were its initial members selected?

They were chosen by popular vote. They were appointed by a Governor. They nominated themselves from the community. They were selected through a random lottery.

17. In which specific year were women in Western Australia granted the fundamental right to vote?

1901 1899 1920 1950

18. Following the right to vote, in which year were women in Western Australia given the power to stand for election as Members of Parliament?

1899 1901 1920 1945

19. According to the text, what are the core principles that form the foundation of a democratic system?

Centralised power and strict government control. Trust, open discussion, and ensuring every citizen's voice is acknowledged. Economic prosperity taking precedence over individual freedoms. Governance exercised by a limited group of non-elected officials.

20. The text describes the process of creating a new law as "detailed" and involving a Bill moving "back and three times" with repeated votes. What is the main reason for this complex legislative journey?

To intentionally delay the implementation of new legislation. To guarantee that every new law is thoroughly considered and improved. To restrict the number of laws that can be enacted annually. To permit only the Executive Council to finalize legislative acts.

WA Parliament: Your Guide - Quiz (Mid-Level English)