Democracy Flashcards
Explain why Australia is a constitutional monarchy
because its based on a constitution - a framework, system of law Australia is based on, but its head of state is a monarch - Queen Elizabeth the II
Explain the main role of the senate.
The senate is the states house. It reviews proposed law and its job is to protect the interests of state. Each state has 12 senators and territories have 2 senators.
What is a half senate election?
- A half senate election is an election to vote the new senators into position. Although the senate has a term of 6 years, it is shared between two groups of senators, one sits for the first three years and the other sits for the next three.
What is a political party and give an example of one?
Large group of candidates, members who are fighting to be in government, to have their core values and beliefs expressed.
Example: Labour, Liberal
What happens if you are 18 and don’t vote? Why do you think this occurs?
- Heavily fined, as its a crime in Australia to not vote.
- This occurs so each individuals (Australian citizens) point of view/vote is counted.
- its so the democratic system functions properly and correctly.
Describe the differences in roles between the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition.
Prime Minister:
- Proposes new policies
- Creates new opportunities
- representative of the people
- leader of the party with the majority of seats in the House of Reps
- Makes key decisions in Parliament
Opposition Leader:
- leader of the party who came second
- opposes policies brought forward by prime minster
- questions and reviews
- shadow of the PM, checking on him and his doings
Why is the Australian Constitution such an important document?
- Sets out the framework, rules and principals by which Australia is governed.
- Foundation on which Australia is built on.
What is the difference between the LEGISLATURE, the EXECUTIVE, and the JUDICIARY?
- They are the separation of powers
- LEGISLATURE (parliament): creates/makes the laws
- EXECUTIVE (ministers/cabinet): applies and administrates the law
- JUDICIARY (judges/courts): enforces the laws
Why is it important in democracy to keep the functions in the previous questions separate?
- So that corruption is prevented.
- If all three powers lie in one hand. democracy could turn into dictatorship.
- Its important they remain separate, so power is evenly shared, making sure our system works fluently.
- The separate powers keep each other in check.
Fill in the gaps..
a) The Australian………established our federal system of government where………making powers are divided between the …. and the ……..
b) A special vote called a………… can be held to change the words in our constitution.
c) The federal and Victorian parliaments are ………………………. This means they have an upper…….. and a ……… house.
d) The head of the federal government is the ………….. and the head of the Victorian government is the ……….
The Australian CONSTITUTION established our federal system of government where LAW making powers are divided between the STATES and the COMMONWEALTH
b) REFERENDUM
c) The federal and Victorian parliaments are BICAMERAL. This means they have an upper HOUSE and a LOWER house.
d) The head of the federal government is the PRIME MINISTER and the head of the Victorian government is the PREMIER.
what is a commonwealth?
an international association consisting of the UK together with states that were previously part of the British Empire, and dependencies
Which level of government is responsible for the following:
Police service, rubbish collection, old age pension, kindergartens, Medicare, foreign policy.
Local: rubbish collection, kindergartens.
Federal: Old age pensions, Medicare, Foreign Policy
State: Police service
Local: rubbish collection, kindergartens.
Main policy difference between Australian Labour party and the Liberal Party of Australia
Labour:
1) Abolish Poverty
2) Share wealth equally
3) Create more jobs
Liberal:
1) minimise taxes
2) encourage private government and do not compete with them
3) Just society
