Definitions term 1

Question 1

Define Representative Democracy

Answer 1

A form of government where the powers of the sovereignty are delegated to a body of men/women representing a group of people
Example: Australia

Question 2

Define Legislature

Answer 2

A deliberative body of persons, usually elected, who are empowered to make, change or repeal the laws of a country or state
3 arms of government

Question 3

Define Autocracy

Answer 3

A government in which one person has unlimited authority over others

Question 4

Define Judiciary

Answer 4

The part of a country’s government that is responsible for its legal system and that consists of all the judges in its courts of law
3 arms of government

Question 5

Define Sovereignty

Answer 5

Supreme power or authority over a political unit (country or state)

Question 6

Define Constitutionalism

Answer 6

A government in which power is distributed and limited by a system of laws that the rulers must obey

Question 7

Define Executive

Answer 7

One of the 3 arms of government. The executive makes policies and controls government administration. In Australia the political executive is the government or ministers that are answerable to parliament for their actions

Question 8

Define Direct Democracy

Answer 8

A democracy in which the power to govern lies directly in the hands of the people
Example: Ancient Greek

Question 9

Define Government

Answer 9

The body within a society that has the authority to make laws and to provide public programs.

• includes institutes like parliament and the courts
• people such as; politicians, judges and public servants

Question 10

Define Representative

Answer 10

Consisting of people chosen to act as and speak on behalf of a wider group

Question 11

Define Democracy

Answer 11

A political and legal system that is based on the principals of individual freedom and equality and the rule of the people.

Question 12

Define Liberal democracy

Answer 12

A view that the ideal political system should combine majoritarian democracy with the protection of the legal and social rights of individuals and minority groups

Question 13

Define Liberalism

Answer 13

A democratic political ideology the emphasises individual autonomy

Question 14

Define the Separation of Powers

Answer 14

The separation of government executive, legislature and judicial into different arms or institutions that act separately and are independent of each other