ELECTIONS Flashcards
ELECTION
A process enabling citizens to choose representatives to sit in a representative legislature and act as their delegates or trustees in law making. This in as essential procedure of representative democracy.
TWO TYPES OF ELECTORAL SYSTEMS
Majoritian or poportional. Or blended compromise
ELECTORAL SYSTEM
A system that translates votes into the desired leadership outcome of the people. Most often used to translate votes into seats in parliament. They may be based on single-member electorates or multi-member electorates. Electoral systems are classified as either majoritarian or proportional or a blended compromise of both.
WHAT ARE ELECTORATES
A geographical area in which citizens vote to elect a representative and, subsequently, a parliamentarian who represents them in parliament. An electorate can eb small (such as Wentworth in the House of Representatives) or large (such as Western Australia in the senate) and vary in its representative purpose. An electorate is also known as a division and colloquially as ‘seat’ in parliament.
What is a Fair Election
A fair election encourages democratic decision making and a respected outcome.
What are the four principles of a fair election
Openness– from calling the election to declaring the results, keep the school community informed and involved. Decide on clear rules and processes for your election so that everyone knows the election is fair.
Full participation– encourage participation and provide plenty of opportunity for everyone to be involved.
Secret ballot – voting in secret means voters can make their choice without influence or intimidation. Secret ballot is a key aspect of Australian democracy.
One vote, one value – everyone only votes once in each election. Every vote has the same value and the result of the election is honoured.
Fair electoral sytems have the characteristics of
- Provide political choice
- Value votes equally and be fair to political parties
- Create a stable government
- Facilitate accountability
What is the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918
The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) (the Electoral Act) provides supplementary machinery for the conduct of federal elections.
What does the Electoral Act provides the legal basis for the administraion of elections including
- the creation and maintenance of the electoral roll
- the distribution of electoral divisions (electorates) for the House of Representatives in each state and territory
- the registration of political parties and election funding
