Parliament & the Executive

In the Westminster system of government, the Executive and Parliament are two integral and connected institutions. The functions and powers of the Executive are outlined by the Australian Constitution and shaped by Westminster conventions. Although the Executive has an extensive political role outside Parliament, its members are drawn from Parliament and it depends on Parliament for its ongoing authority and legitimacy. In modern government, the power of the Executive has steadily increased.

Parliament, with its legislative and representative functions, is designed to act as a check and balance against executive authority and administrative power. Consequently, there is potential for conflict between the role of Parliament and the power of the Executive. This topic is concerned with the constitutional theory and institutional practice of the Executive and Parliament and with analysis of the workings of these two fundamental institutions in Australian federal democracy.

The study of Parliament and the Executive will include:

• functions and procedures of Parliament (House of Representatives, Senate, Governor-General or equivalent)
  • legislation, representation, formation and accountability of government
  • question time, debates and committees
  • conventions

• role of key players
  • government and opposition
  • minor parties, independents, backbenchers
  • Speaker of the House/President of the Senate

• parliamentary practice
  • government and opposition tactics
  • party discipline and Executive domination
  • parliamentary reform

• the Executive, Cabinet and Ministry
  • composition, structure and functions of the Executive under the Westminster system
  • selection and roles of Cabinet and Ministry
  • operation of Cabinet and its committees
  • ministerial accountability and responsibility
  • conventions

• the Prime Minister
  • powers and responsibility
  • relations with Cabinet, Ministry and political party
  • styles of leadership

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