Chapter 11.3 Flashcards
The representative nature of parliament
Introduction to the representative nature of parliament
Australia’s parliamentary system is expected to be representative of the people. This means that at both
Commonwealth and state levels, parliament and government consist of members who are elected by
the people to make laws on their behalf. If these members fail to make laws that reflect the views and
values of the people, or fail to address the needs of the community, they will jeopardise their chance of
being re-elected.
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the diversity of parliament
Australia is a diverse country. Australia’s parliaments have not generally reflected this diversity.
female representation is increasing but First Nations members people are still not represented appropriately
Diversity and law making
In relation to law-making, some have argued that because of a lack of diversity, certain groups
of people or their interests are not represented well enough
other argue that the diversity of government does not affect their ability to represent people in parliament methods are used such as
-indiviudalds and communities can communicate with their local member of parliament to put foward their concerns and views
- parliaments can use formal law reform bodys to guage the veiws of communities
- members of parliament have also argued that it has not prevented them in the past from introducing and implementing legislative with relation to diverse groups
community.
demonstration
a gathering of people
to protest or express
their common concern
or dissatisfaction with
an existing law as a
means of influencing
law reform
Victorian Law Reform
Commission (VLRC)
Victoria’s leading independent law
reform organisation. The VLRC reviews, researches and makes recommendations to the state parliament about possible changes
to Victoria’s laws
2 ways in which the representative nature of parliament can affect its ability to make laws
- willingness to act in accordance with the views of the majority
- regular elections
willingness to act in accordance with the views of the majority
The representative nature of parliament encourages members of parliament to listen to the views of the community and make laws in accordance with these views. When people see the need for a change in the law, they may undertake a range of activities, such as forming a petition, organizing a demonstration, using social media, or contacting their local member of parliament to express their views and indicate to the government that there is a need for law reform.
Its not always beneficial to make laws based on the views of the majority
- in an attempt to be re elected members of parliament may introduce laws that are popular with votes rather then passing necessary but unpopular laws
- governments may introduce harsher penalties for crimes to appear tough on crime, but studies show that harsher sentences generally do little to reduce crime and do not address its underlying causes.
- it can be difficult for members of parliament and governments to assess the majority view on controversial issues where societal views conflict
regular elections
Regular elections are essential for representative government, allowing people to vote for politicians who represent them in parliament. If a government fails to meet the needs of the majority, it is likely to be voted out in the next election.
Critisicm towards compolsury voting
Compulsory voting is a feature of this system, with critics arguing it forces uninterested voters to cast potentially ill-informed votes. Supporters, however, believe compulsory voting ensures that parliaments and governments reflect the will of the majority and consider the needs of the entire society when forming policies.
referendum
the method used for
changing the wording
of the Australian
Constitution. A
referendum requires a
proposal to be approved
by the Australia people
in a public vote by a
double majority
