Civics Flashcards
Distinguish laws and rules
Restrictions affect group-^^ society
Identify the three branches of government
Federal, state, local
Distinguish criminal and civil law
Criminal=crimes against wellbeing of the community whereas civil=crimes against a private matter
Define government
Government is a system of political rule and administration over a society. There are three branches of government in Australia, being: federal, state and local
Explain the three levels of government
The three levels of government are federal, state and local. Federal government focuses on meeting the needs of the nation as a whole, whereas state and local are responsible for their respective jurisdictions. The federal government looks after aspects of society such as the military and trade, state government is responsible for hospitals and major roads, and local government is responsible for animal rules and rubbish disposal.
Compare the House of Representatives and the senate
The House of Representatives (lower house) contains 150 seats which represent Australia’s electorates. These electorates are each responsible for regions of 100,000 citizens, and are solely based around population. The senate has 76 seats, 2 for each territory and 12 for each state. In the green house of representatives, the party with the majority of seats forms government, and the leader of this party is the prime minister. Both houses have a presiding officer, but in the senate it is the president, as opposed to the HORs speaker. Both houses are arranged into a horseshoe shape of elected representatives of Australians, who introduce and discuss bills and legislation.
Distinguish frontbenchers and backbenchers
Frontbenchers are ministers with special roles in government, such as the minister for health or communication, whereas backbenchers are ministers only concerned with their electorate.
Explain state parliament
State parliament is separated into two houses, the legislative council (upper house) and the legislative assembly (lower house). The assembly has 88 members whereas the council has 40. In the same manner as parliament, the party with majority in the lower house forms government, and the leader of this party is the Premier. There is no limit to how many years a premier can serve. The state government is answerable to parliament.
Define representative government
Representative government is a government of representatives elected by the citizens of a society. These people represent the citizens and make laws on their behalf.
Define constitution
A constitution is the laws that govern a nation or state and is the framework of government. The constitution can be changed by referendum, wherein parliament agrees on the change, and then must receive a double majority, where a majority of people and a majority of states agree.
Outline the process of preferential voting
Preferential voting involves voting for candidates in order of personal preference. On a ballot paper, voters privately record their preferences for candidates, numbering 1, 2 etc until all boxes are filled in preferential order, first being the favourite. All of the number 1 votes are counted for each candidate. If a candidate gains more than half of these first preferences they are elected. If no candidate has more than half the votes, the one with the least is excluded, and the secondary votes of the people who voted for them are now counted and added. This process repeats until a candidate has more than half the votes, and is thus elected.
Should voting be compulsory
Many describe voting as a civic duty, which is essential for citizens to perform, like taxes. This however can lead to ill informed votes being held in the same regard as real votes, and donkey votes, which throws out who would win the election. Voting should not be compulsory, as those who want their vote to count can vote, but for those who will throw their vote it is a waste of time.
Distinguish civil and criminal law.
Criminal law is concerned with protecting society, whilst civil law is concerned with protecting private citizens rights.
