Can I questions (Luca) Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

define ‘citizen’

A

Citizen-a citizen is a person who legally lives in a geographical area such as a town or a country.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

define ‘citizenship’

A

is everything that has to do with being a citizen. In a wider context citizenship encompasses the rights and responsibilities citizens need.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

define ‘government’

A
  • Government-The elected members of parliament that make decisions for a nation or state. The government is made up of a party or coalition that has won majority of seats in the lower house in parliament.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

parliament define

A

The national or state law making body that is made up of elected representatives in both the upper and lower house with a head of state.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe examples of those who have contributed beyond their legal requirements as a citizen.

A

-A local citizen may give their time and resources to help others in need such as giving to a local charity or helping out with a school fete.
-A regional citizen may work at a national level to help provide a better future for all Australians. A example can be supporting a charity or cause in Australia such as domestic violence
* -an example of global citizen that may use their skills to make the world a better place is somebody who restored eyesight to thousands of people in Australia and countries around the world.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain concept of democracy, including examples of democratic rights.

A

Democracy is the concept that people in a state/country have the right to take part in decision making such as voting at elections.
* Democratic rights:
Democratic rights include the right to vote, freedom of speech and equality no matter on skin, religion or race. They guarantee citizens’ participation in decision-making and hold governments accountable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Identify the three levels of government in Australia

A

Local, state and federal/commonwealth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q
  • Explain the key roles of each level of government
A

Local-make laws on rubbish collection, child care centers, aged care facilities, town planning and pet control.
State and territory-make laws on education, infrastructure, electricity and health.
Federal-make laws defense, immigration, currency and trade.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Distinguish key terms - parliament and government

A
  • Government is The elected members of parliament that won majority of seats in the lower house and make decisions for a nation or state whereas Parliament is The national or state law making body where laws are reviewed.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q
  • Explain the role of the Constitution-
A

The role of constitution in Australia outlines the aims of the organization as well as how it will be governed and the powers each government have.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Identify the major political parties in Australia and their key principles.

A

Labor-
1. strives for a fairer Australia for all workers.
2. Tries to close the gap between the rich and the poor so that wealth is more evenly distributed.
Liberal-
1. Strives for less government control
2. Believes In the power of the individual and business to make their own choices
3. nationals:Nationals:
Represents the interests in those that live outside of the cities throughout Australia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q
  • Distinguish independents and political parties.
A

An independent/s is a member of Australian parliament who does not belong to a political party. A political party is made up of individuals who organize to win elections, operate government, and influence public policy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Explain factors that can influence voter behavior.

A
  1. If the government has performed well and managed the economy well they are more likely to be re-elected.
    1. A well run campaign strategy can persuade the public to vote for them.
    2. The voter may be influenced by short term issues that affect them personally.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define key terms: Swinging voters, political parties

A

Swinging voter-they tend to change their vote depending on issues rather than loyalty to a political party. They leave there vote quite late in the election campaign.

A political party- is made up of individuals who organize to win elections, operate government, and influence public policy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a cabinet?

A

Cabinet is the government’s central decision-making body.
The Premier and ministers are all members of the Cabinet. As the government leader, the Premier is the Cabinet chairperson.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Identify who is eligible to vote in elections and how often they are held?

A

All eligible Australians 18 and over can vote.
3 years federally
4 years state

17
Q

Explain the various ways to vote

A
  • In person voting where polling booths are open 8 am to 6pm on election day.
    • Telephone voting
    • Postal voting
    • Voting early- if you know your going to be interstate when you vote
18
Q

Describe the voting system used in the lower house

A

The elector receives a green ballot paper which is a preferential voting system used to elect one member from there electorate to the house of representatives. The ballot shows a preference for all candidates listed on the ballot paper and you have to number candidates 1 to 6 (1 being your first vote, 2 being your second).

19
Q

Describe the voting system used in the upper house

A

On election day the voter receives a white ballot paper which is known as the proportional voting system and can vote for candidates in one of two ways. Voters can make there prefernces 1-6 for a party or group above the line. Or they can number their preferences 1 to 12 for candidates below the line.

20
Q

Define a federal system and describe the role of the Constitution.

A

The federal system is a system where power is shared between federal, state and local governments.

The role of constitution is to make or change laws on behalf of all of Australia to benefit every Australian.

21
Q

Identify the three roles of government in Australia

A
  1. Legislative: power to make the law through parliament
    1. Executive: This involves implementing and enforcing laws and policies, which is primarily done by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
    2. Judicial: This involves power to apply the law punishment
22
Q

Describe the four key principles of Australia’s system of government.

A
  1. Governments must not abuse their power
    1. Governments must be responsible for the people
    2. Governments must protect the rights and freedoms of Australians
    3. Governments must make laws that reflect the views and values of the people
23
Q

Describe the key roles of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament and the Crown.

A
  • The Lower house which is known as the House of Representatives is where government is formed and is where laws are discussed and debated about in interest for the people. It had 151 members.
  • The upper house which is known as the senate is the political party that reviews laws the House of Representatives makes. It has 76 members.
  • The Crown in Australia, represented by the Governor-General, has important roles like signing bills into law, assigning the Prime Minister, and providing leadership to the nation.
24
Q

Describe the structure of State and Commonwealth Parliaments, including the Crown

A

State. Lower house which is legislative assembly, upper house which is the legislative council and the crown which is represented by the governener state
Federal. Lower house which is the house of representatives, upper house which is the senate and the crown which is represnted by the governenr general.

25
Q
  • What is a “parliamentary democracy”?
A

A system where those who are elected to represent a nation meet at a place called parliament where they make and change laws.

26
Q
  • Our Commonwealth Parliament has 2 houses. What do we call a two house system?
A

Bicameral System

27
Q
  • What is an electorate?
A

A geographical division represented by a member of parliament elected to the House of Representatives.

28
Q
  • How does government form in the lower house?
A

The coalition that wins majority of seats in the House of Representatives (at least 76 of 150), will have won the election and forms government. The leader of the party/coalition is the Prime Minister. The leader of the main political party that hasn’t won government is the opposition leader.

29
Q
  • Explain the role of the government and the opposition.
A

The government of the day is the party/coalition that has won the election, and they have permission to act on behalf of the people of Australia. The oppositions role is to hold the government accountable for its actions.

30
Q

What is a portfolio?

A

Portfolios- A portfolio is a ministers area of responsibility as a member of cabinet. E.g Education or health

31
Q

Compare Australian’s government to Indonesia’s:

A

Aus Indo
Constitunal monarchy Indonesia’s system of government is referred to a republic meaning the people vote to determine government or head of state.
151 lower house seats Upper 560
Upper 76 Upper 132
No death penalty Death penalty

32
Q

11.6 safeguards to Australia’s democartic society

A

The people elect the government-compulsory voting aims to make sure that our governments have the support of majoirty of the poeople and not just people who choose to vote.
Elections are free and fair-in australia all elections allow citizens to cast there vote in secret to reduce the risk of voters being intimindated or forced into voting a party or person against there will.

Governments uphold basic human rights

33
Q

11.7 threats to Australia’s democratic society

A

Media bias and voting-When making decisions majority of voters gain there information about political parties through media which means it is therefore essential for media to be fair and impartial to the lead up to the election. Media outlets can go against political a political party/s and may portray completely different to what they are. This can change the views of a large amount of citizens.

An ageing society As more voters enter the age of over the age of 65 year age group, the elderly will have more political power and will be able to place greater pressure on governments. For example the elderly community would seek the government to implement policies and laws focusing on their needs which mean governments may not  prioritisethe younger generation.
34
Q

what are the main role of the houses at federal level?

A

The main role of the house of representatives:
* Determine the governtmet of the day through an election where the political party or coalition with majority of seats won in the lower house forms government. (at least 76/150)
* Discuss and debate bills that have been introduced. These are voted upon.

* The main role of the senate: 
* To represent the interests of the states-as there is members throughout each state and territory
* Initiate, discuss and review new laws. The senate acts as a 'house of review', reviewing the laws brought through the house of representatives.
The main role of the crown who is represented by the governor general:  Give royal accent, sign off on a law so it can become an act of parliament or a law
35
Q
  • Explain the concepts of separation of powers and responsible government and how they are achieved in Australia’s system of government
    Separation of powers:
A
  • Separation of powers-stops governments from abusing their power or making laws outside their powers. This is achieved through the role of the courts where they act as a checking system making sure the parliaments do not make any law beyond their power. Judges are free from political bias, and are therefore impartial when applying the law.
    • Responsible government-parliament must be answerable and accountable to the people, they must be able to explain their decisions, the public must be able to ask questions and contact a local member of parliament. This is achieved as if governments are not answerable and accountable to the people then the citizens have the vote them out at the next election. This pressures the governments to be answerable and accountable to ensure they do not lose voters at the next election.
36
Q

representative government, responsible government and separation of powers

A
  • Representative government-Parliament make laws that represent the views and values of people in the community.
    Regular and free elections
  • Responsible government-parliament must be answerable and accountable to the people, they must be able to explain their decisions, the public must be able to ask questions and contact a local member of parliament
    Separation of powers-stops governments from abusing their power or making laws outside their powers