Civics Flashcards
Bicameral government
Two houses of parliament
What are the two houses
Senate and House of Representatives
Unicameral government
Government with only one house (China)
Separation of Powers
Splits power between people to prevent anyone from having absolute power
Elements of Australia’s political system
Constitutional monarchy, democracy, governor general, separation of powers, constitution, role of high court, parliament
democracy
A system of government where the people have the power to make decisions about how a country is run, usually done by voting in elections to choose leaders or make important decisions. In a democracy everyone has the right to have a say, express opinions and be treated fairly
Governor general
Represents the monarch and signs off on legal decisions
Constitution
A legal document that presides above all the legal decisions made in Australia, can only be changed through a referendum
Executive
Puts government laws into effect, includes government departments and agencies and Ministers
Judicial
Judges on the law, includes the courts
Legislative
Makes the laws, includes the two houses of government
Democratic elections
Everyone has the right to vote, voting is compulsory and secret
Rule of Law
The law applies equally to all people and no one is above the law
Role of the high court
Set precedents and judge and overall decisions made by lower courts, decide how the law will be interpreted
Highest instrument of power in China
NPC (National Peoples Congress)
