2nd Test

Question 0

Define popular sovereignty

Answer 0

Government is formed with the consent of the citizens and can have its authority removed by the people if it ceases to represent this consent at these elections.

Question 1

Define freedom

Answer 1

The ability to act without constraint

Question 2

Define representative government

Answer 2

Individuals are elected to government by citizens to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 3

Define limited government

Answer 3

The reach or jurisdiction of government is restricted to ensure that it does not impinge too much on individual liberty or free enterprise.

Question 4

Define free enterprise

Answer 4

The freedom of industry and businesses to trade with minimal government control.

Question 5

Define arbitrary

Answer 5

A random act with no thought or legal basis of action.

Question 6

Define rules of law

Answer 6

No one should be above or outside of the law, including those who run the government.

Question 7

Define pluralism

Answer 7

A system of government that recognises more than one viewpoint, interest or principle.

Question 8

Define transparency

Answer 8

In the political context this means that procedures and decision making are open to public scrutiny and review.

Question 9

What is a responsible government

Answer 9

Government is expected to be transparent in its decision making process and openly explain its decisions to the public.

Question 10

What is the separation of powers?

Answer 10

The separation of powers is a model for the governance of a state. Under this model the state is divided into branches each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility. All have equal amount of power

Question 11

What is legislature

Answer 11

The branch of government which debates and makes laws

Question 12

In a democracy elections should be

Answer 12

Free, frequent and fair.

Question 13

Define judiciary

Answer 13

The branch of government that interprets and administers the law.

Question 14

What is tyranny of the majority

Answer 14

Minority views were overwhelmed by larger and more powerful voices.

Question 15

Define executive power

Answer 15

The power to rule or to govern. Eg direction of the armed forces

Question 16

What is legislative power

Answer 16

The power to make laws which provide the legal structure for government and society.

Question 17

What is populist

Answer 17

A politician or other person who claims to have the mass support of ordinary people.

Question 18

What is the Westminister system

Answer 18

A system of parliamentary government delivered from Britain which which provides for government by debate.

Question 19

Define legislative assembly

Answer 19

The name given to the lower house of state Parliaments. Upper house is called the legislative council.

Question 20

Define referendum

Answer 20

When the Australian electorate is asked to vote on a question

Question 21

Define preferential voting

Answer 21

The elector must show a preference for all candidates on the ballot paper.

Question 22

How many seats does the house of reps have

Answer 22

I150

Question 23

Define proportional voting

Answer 23

electoral systems by which divisions in an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body.

Question 24

Define compulsory voting

Answer 24

A feature of Australian politics since 1912. Attempts to improve representative democracy. By forcing people to vote they hoped that more people would be pay attention to the elections and fulfil their civic duty.

Question 25

Advantages of compulsory voting

Answer 25

Elected representatives represent a majority of electoral opinion.
Participation and consent is maximised.

Question 26

Disadvantages of compulsory voting

Answer 26

Infringes democratic right of apathy.

Decrease the quality of participation

Question 27

How can people participate in democracy?

Answer 27

Enrolling to vote, joining a political party, running for office, join interest groups, join online blogs and participation.

Question 28

What are the features of parliament?

Answer 28

Freedom, popular sovereignty, representative government, limited government, rule of law, pluralism, responsible or accountable government, Separartion of powers and free fair and frequent elections.