2nd Test Flashcards
Define popular sovereignty
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.
Define freedom
The ability to act without constraint
Define representative government
Individuals are elected to government by citizens to make decisions on their behalf.
Define limited government
The reach or jurisdiction of government is restricted to ensure that it does not impinge too much on individual liberty or free enterprise.
Define free enterprise
The freedom of industry and businesses to trade with minimal government control.
Define arbitrary
A random act with no thought or legal basis of action.
Define rules of law
No one should be above or outside of the law, including those who run the government.
Define pluralism
A system of government that recognises more than one viewpoint, interest or principle.
Define transparency
In the political context this means that procedures and decision making are open to public scrutiny and review.
What is a responsible government
Government is expected to be transparent in its decision making process and openly explain its decisions to the public.
What is the separation of powers?
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
What is legislature
The branch of government which debates and makes laws
In a democracy elections should be
Free, frequent and fair.
Define judiciary
The branch of government that interprets and administers the law.
What is tyranny of the majority
Minority views were overwhelmed by larger and more powerful voices.
Define executive power
The power to rule or to govern. Eg direction of the armed forces
What is legislative power
The power to make laws which provide the legal structure for government and society.
What is populist
A politician or other person who claims to have the mass support of ordinary people.
What is the Westminister system
A system of parliamentary government delivered from Britain which which provides for government by debate.
Define legislative assembly
The name given to the lower house of state Parliaments. Upper house is called the legislative council.
Define referendum
When the Australian electorate is asked to vote on a question
Define preferential voting
The elector must show a preference for all candidates on the ballot paper.
How many seats does the house of reps have
I150
Define proportional voting
electoral systems by which divisions in an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body.
Define compulsory voting
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.
Advantages of compulsory voting
Elected representatives represent a majority of electoral opinion.
Participation and consent is maximised.
Disadvantages of compulsory voting
Infringes democratic right of apathy.
Decrease the quality of participation
How can people participate in democracy?
Enrolling to vote, joining a political party, running for office, join interest groups, join online blogs and participation.
What are the features of parliament?
Freedom, popular sovereignty, representative government, limited government, rule of law, pluralism, responsible or accountable government, Separartion of powers and free fair and frequent elections.
