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Government Concepts Review

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Government Concepts Review

A council is considering a new youth space, while Parliament is debating a law that could affect communities. Use the information and scenarios on this sheet to review how government works in Aotearoa New Zealand. Answer in your own words where asked.

How New Zealand government works

1.A group of students wants safer crossings near their local library. Which action best shows how government can serve the public good?

Ask the relevant council to investigate and consider improvements
Expect one student to make the decision for everyone
Ban people from discussing the issue
Let a private group make a law for the whole country

2.Match each part of government with its main role in New Zealand.

Parliament
Executive (ministers and government agencies)
Courts

Puts laws and government decisions into action
Interpret and apply the law in cases
Debates and makes laws

3.New Zealand has a unicameral Parliament. What does unicameral mean, and what is the name of its single chamber?

4.In a general election, voters choose a local electorate MP and a political party. What are these two votes called?

5.Which statement best describes the role of the Prime Minister in New Zealand?

Leads the government and is usually the leader of the party or group able to command support in the House
Personally decides every court case
Is elected separately by a nationwide presidential ballot
Replaces Parliament and makes laws alone

Democracy, rights and participation

6.For each statement, write True or False. (a) In a democracy, people can take part in elections. (b) The rule of law means the law applies only to ordinary citizens, not people in power. (c) People can express different views while respecting the rights of others.

TrueFalse

7.In New Zealand, people generally need to be 18 or older to vote in general elections. A student who is not yet old enough wants to influence a proposed local cycleway. Give two realistic ways they could participate without voting.

8.The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important in New Zealand today. Explain one way it can influence government or public decision-making, and why listening to Māori perspectives matters.

Apply the concepts

9.A proposed law is being debated in Parliament. Explain the difference between making a law and putting it into action. Name the parts of government mainly responsible for each.

10.A council invites residents to comment on a plan for a new youth space. Write a short, respectful submission that states one benefit, one concern, and one question the council should consider.

11.A court is asked to decide whether a government agency acted within the law. Which part of government should hear the case, and why is it useful for courts to be able to make decisions independently?