9-Electoral processes

Question 1

What are the functions of an election?

Answer 1

1. Peaceful means of change
2. Gives Gov a legit mandate
3. Increases accountability
4. Ensures people have a choice
5. Provides basis for duty of citizens

Question 2

What the democratic principles the functions of elections are based on

Answer 2

1. Free and fair elections
2. non-pressured vote
3. Freedom of Information
4. Free right to stand for candidates
5. Regular elections

Question 3

Explain proposed changes to governments terms

Answer 3

Depends on what the people value more:
stable gov (less elections) or accountable gov (more elections)
also mention fixed term/ max term

Question 4

Explain Gerrymandering and issues surrounding it

Answer 4

Deliberate manipulation of electoral boundaries to swing election results.
Allows majority of seats to be won with minority of votes, and is therefore in conflict with the democratic principle of free elections, and mirror representation.
Less genuine mandate

Question 5

Explain Malapportionment and issues surrounding it

Answer 5

Where “one vote, one value” does not occur
Used to occur due to land owners being favoured
Accidental malapportionment still occurs in senate

Question 6

Explain Compulsory voting and issues surrounding it

Answer 6

If you do not vote you are fined etc
Pros:
-gov has genuine mandate
-people have political commitment
-elections focus on issues not persuading people to vote
-elections less influenced by radicals
-reduced corruption
Cons:
-active politics to convince supporters to vote
-decrease in informal votes
-reduction in negative campaigning

Question 7

what is a political party

Answer 7

-group of people with similar political ideas

Question 8

What is the role of a party’s

Answer 8

• principle vehicle through citizens gain representation
• Draw together policy interests of different groups
• Acceptance of members strengthens foundations of democratic process
• main way political power is exercised
• avenues for political discussion

Question 9

What is the primary aim for major parties

Answer 9

To form government

Question 10

What is the primary aim for minor parties

Answer 10

To influence government

Question 11

What is the primary aim for micro parties

Answer 11

To raise their profile and push their agenda

Question 12

What is a pressure group?

Answer 12

• Organisations formed to promote issues

- pressure parties to consider their perspective

Question 13

What is the role of pressure groups

Answer 13

• To represent minorities or issues

- to pressure parties to consider their perspective

Question 14

How do political parties and pressure groups participate in the political system

Answer 14

• parties introduce, debate, pass legislation
• parties are a source of legislative idea
• pressure groups are a source of legislative idea

Question 15

how can individuals participate in electoral process

Answer 15

• registering to vote
• become part of franchise
• go to MP with issues
• Join pressure groups
• become a base of support for parties

Question 16

how can parties participate in electoral process

Answer 16

• parties advertise themselves
• push legislation that the people want
• try to get as many voters as possible

Question 17

How can Pressure groups participate in the electoral process?

Answer 17

• give out ‘how to vote’ cards

- try to get people to vote for candidates who represent their interests

Question 18

Explain the issue of political donations

Answer 18

-primary issue is corruption
-parties tailor policies to highest donator, not the people
-system is tailored towards wealthy
-to run you need money
-donations cause implications to democratic ideals
-
STATS:
-both parties had don. over 50 mil
-co-70 m
-lab-45 mil
-80% of campaigns paid for by donators

Question 19

Explain the rise of independents/micro parties

Answer 19

-decline in support from major parties
-make up cross bench
-hold balance of power if gov support is weak
-represent minorities
-general upward trend in micro parties/independents
-due to general dissatisfaction with major parties
2013 SENATE
-coalition needed 6 cross benchers to pass legislation
-8 cross benchers
nearly 1/4 didn’t vote major
2016 SENATE
-positive swing for many micro parties
-negative swing for major parties

• trend continued