What does the term 'responsible government' imply in Australia?

The term 'responsible government' in Australia implies that the Executive, which includes the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, is accountable to the Parliament. This means that the government must maintain the confidence of the majority of members in the lower house of Parliament, known as the House of Representatives. If the government loses this confidence, it may be required to resign or call for new elections.

This accountability mechanism is pivotal in ensuring that the government is answerable to the elected representatives of the people, promoting transparency and responsiveness in governance. It reinforces the principle that the Executive must operate within the framework established by the Parliament and that it must justify its decisions and actions to the elected body, which ultimately represents the electorate.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the concept of responsible government. For instance, the notion that the Parliament is independent of the Executive does not capture the interdependent relationship essential to Australia's political system. Similarly, the idea that the Judiciary can make laws is incorrect, as the Judiciary's role is to interpret and apply the law rather than create it. Lastly, while the Governor-General plays a crucial ceremonial role in the Australian government, stating that they are independent does not pertain to the principles of responsible government, which focuses primarily on the relationship