democracy and stuff

Question 1

what is democracy

Answer 1

democracy is a system of government run by the people. Therefore, citizens have a say in what laws are passed and decisions are made through representatives that are elected to speak for them

Question 2

What is the constitution

Answer 2

the constitution is a set or rules and guidelines that establish the law making powers of a country. Everyone must follow the constitution even the government

Question 3

separation of powers: parliament, judiciary, executive government

Answer 3

parliament - power to change the law.
judiciary - power to make judgement on law.
executive government - power to put laws into action

Question 4

law-making powers

Answer 4

Any area of law-making powers not specifically listed in the Australian Constitution as a law-making power of the Commonwealth parliament remains a law-making power of the state parliament.

Question 5

levels of government and what area of responsibility they have + examples

Answer 5

federal, state and local.
federal - national issues e.g. money, defence, immigration, internet, post
stare - state issues e.g. education, hospitals, public housing, public transport
local - local issue e.g. rubbish, parks, pet control, parking

Question 6

similarities between the senate and the house of representatives

Answer 6

• The roles of both houses is to introduce laws

- the design/ layout of the house. both are u shaped so everyone is visible and it also encourages debating

Question 7

differences between the senate and HOR

Answer 7

• colour
• who they represent
• who runs the house
• number of seats

Question 8

explain a difference between the senate and HOR

Answer 8

• HOR green. senate red.
• senate represents state. the HOR represents their electorate
• senate the prime minister. HOR the speaker
• senate 76 seats 12 for each state 2 for territories. HOR 151 for every electorate

Question 9

electorates

Answer 9

Australia is geographically divided up into 151 sections called electorates which have roughly 100 000 voters in each.

Question 10

how does preferential voting work

Answer 10

candidates must reach absolute majority to win which is over 50% of the votes. if no one reaches absolute majority a candidate will be eliminated until someone wins. peoples seconds votes will be used in the second round so its more fair and the final vote is most accurate to what the people want.

Question 11

compulsory voting

Answer 11

everyone above 18 must vote this way everyone’s opinion is heard and the the prime minister that the country believes is best is chosen most accurately

Question 12

political parties + their beliefs

Answer 12

labour - healthcare
liberal - economy, businesses’
greens - environment
nationals - who cares

Question 13

the crown

Answer 13

Australia is a Constitutional Monarchy, meaning that the Queen, which is represented by the Crown, is the head of State and the government holds power. has final say on government decisions

Question 14

queens representatives

Answer 14

governor general - federal level

governor - state level

Question 15

who runs the HOS

Answer 15

the speaker

Question 16

which is the upper house and which is the lower house

Answer 16

the senate is the upper house and the HOR is the lower house