Chapter 2.2 (Checking Government) Flashcards
Why is accountability to the people so important?
Accountability to the people is so crucial because the government represents the people and is for the people. The people therefore have a right to know what government is doing and how this compares with what they said they were going to do.
Define responsible government.
Responsible government describes the system of checking governments. In Australia, we have a responsible parliamentary government called the Westminster system.
How does accountability work in the Westminster system?
In the Westminster system, the executive is accountable to the legislature, who is held accountable to the people. Public servants of government sectors are accountable to the senior ministers of the executive. Local government members are held accountable by the people that vote for them.
How does accountability work in the United States?
In America, the President may propose vital bills but only the Congress can introduce and pass bills. This means that the President and the Congress check and balance each other. American citizens can also take a course to the Supreme Court and the Court’s judgement can cancel any government law or action that it determines unconstitutional.
Define political rights.
Political rights mean that all citizens must have equal democratic rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of association.
Define legal rights.
Legal rights mean that all citizens must have equal democratic rights and the legal system must be independent of the government. All people should be treated equally and unbiasedly before the law.
