1. Political & Legal Studies TEE Revision 2010

2. Format  Section 1- Short Answer  3 out of 4 to be completed  Section 2- Source Analysis  1 out of 2 to be completed  Section 3- Essay  2 out of 4 to be completed

3. Exam Tips  Answer the QUESTION!!  Use your time wisely  Introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for marker  Always include a conclusion in your essay responses.  Use examples  Plan and structure logical arguments  Proofread your response  Use Source in Section 2  Use assessments, Polipacs and Moodle for revision

4. Law and Politics of the Constitution  What is a Constitution?  Why do we need a Constitution?  What were the major factors contributing to Federation?  What were the major hurdles to federation?  What are the defining characteristics of the Australian Constitution?  What were the major influences on the Australian constitution?

5. Law and Politics of the Constitution  In what ways do the two houses of parliament differ?  What are the three constitutional powers of the Governor-General?  Distinguish between exclusive, concurrent and residual powers.

6. Law and Politics of the Constitution  What are the two main jurisdictions of the High Court?  What are the methods of constitutional change?  Why do referendums often fail?  What role does the High Court play?  What are the Westminster conventions of responsible government?

7. Law and Politics of the Constitution What are the impacts of the following Constitutional issues?: Changing balance between Federal & State Impact of High Court decisions Significance of 1975 crisis Republican alternative

8. Law and Politics of the Constitution  What are arguments for judicial ‘activism’?  What are arguments for judicial ‘legalism’?  What are three important features of financial relationship between the Commonwealth and state governments?  What are sources of continuing state power?

9. Law and Politics of the Constitution - Summary  You must be familiar with:  Influences/ path to Federation  What constitution established  Role of written and unwritten constitution since federation

10. Participation and Change in the Political and Legal system

11. Parliament  What are the origins of legislative ideas?  What are sources of cabinet power?  Outline the role of the opposition.  What is a private member’s bill?  Outline the role backbenchers play?

12. Parliament  What are the sources of increased Senate influence?  What is a parliamentary select committee?  Is parliament the centre of legislative power?  Outline the competing theories on mandates?

13. Courts  What is the difference between ‘ratio decidendi’ and ‘obiter dictum’? (pg 142)  What are the four actions judges can take to change/ avoid a precedent?(pg142)  Provide the advantages and disadvantages of precedent. (pg 145)  What are three rules of statutory interpretation? (pg 148)  What is meant by the term ‘ ejusdem generis’?

14. Courts  Outline arguments for judicial activism and legalism. (pg 151)  Analyse the relationship/interaction between common and statutory law. (pg 153)  Distinguish between original and appellate jurisdiction.

15. Pressure groups  What are the two types of pressure groups?(pg160)  What are the characteristics/strategies of these groups?  Which factors determine the success of pressure groups?  What are the three different theories regarding pressure groups? (pg 174)

16. Media  Summarise the functions of the media in the political and legal system.(pg176)  How does the media shape political information? (pg177)  Outline the competing views on the role of the media.(pg181)

17. Political Parties  Outline the functions of political parties?(pg188)  In terms of party ideology, provide one important reason why the Liberal party supported the goods and services tax(GST), and one important reason why Labor opposed it.  The ALP is often described as a “ trade union “ party. Give one argument for and against this argument.  What is meant by “left wing” in a political party context?  What are some of the trends in voting patterns?

18. Participation and change in the Political and Legal System  Summary:  Need to know role/structure/organisation of:  Parliament  Courts  Pressure groups  Political Parties

19. Problems and Issues of the Political System Section 3

20. Parliament  What are the theoretical functions of parliament?  Outline criticisms of these theoretical functions  Define Collective Ministerial responsibility?  Define Individual Ministerial responsibility?

21. Parliament  What is the ‘decline in parliament’ thesis?  What was the Senate’s traditional role?(pg 237)  How has it changed?(pg237)  Why has it changed?(pg238)

22. Parliament  What are the two key functions of parliament that reforms are aimed at improving?(pg 242)  Describe and evaluate the impact of a proposed parliamentary reform?

23. Prime Minister and Cabinet  What are three limitations to the Prime Minister’s power?(pg 261)  What are sources Prime Ministerial power?( pg 257)  What is Cabinet?  What are the roles of the Cabinet?

24. Prime Minster and Cabinet  What is the Westminster role of public service? ( pg 276)  What are criticisms of the Westminster model?(pg 277)  How does the new model of public service differ?(pg 281)  Are there criticisms of this new model? (Pg281)

25. Electoral systems  Outline the advantages and disadvantages of Australia’s voting systems.  What outcomes occur due to these voting systems.  What are the arguments for and against compulsory voting.

26. Problems and Issues of the Legal system Section 4

27. Problems and Issues of the Legal system  Access to the law is equally available to all people. Discuss, using an example.  The procedure for criminal trials in Australia is outdated and imperfect. How valid is this claim?  The introduction of a “Bill of Rights” has become necessary to safeguard human rights in Australia. Assess the validity of this claim.

28. Problems and Issues of the Legal system  Suggest a reform for Australia’s trial system.  What are some of the Alternative Dispute Resolutions being used/suggested in Australia?

29. Exam Tips  Answer the QUESTION!!  Use your time wisely  Introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for marker  Always include a conclusion in your essay responses.  Use examples  Plan and structure logical arguments  Proofread your response

30. GOOD LUCK!!!!! Josh Popp