exam

Question 1

Define democracy

Answer 1

A democracy is a system of government by the people in which representatives are elected. The citizens or members of a state have a say in what laws are passed by government and what decisions are made.

Question 2

What are the three levels of government

Answer 2

Federal government, State government, local government

Question 3

Define constitution

Answer 3

A constitution is a set of rules that establishes the law making powers of a country.

Question 4

Senate

Answer 4

The senate is the upper house of the parliament and is red, The senate has 76 senators. 12 from each state and 2 for each territory

Question 5

HOR

Answer 5

HOR is the lower house of parliament. The HOR is green and has 151 seats.

Question 6

Political parties

Answer 6

Liberal party
Labour party
Nationals
Greens

Question 7

Preferential voting

Answer 7

The votes are counted under the preferential voting system by looking at who everyone’s top vote was (number 1 vote) and putting it into a tally to see who is leading with the most number of votes. To win the seat the candidate must reach 50% + 1 of the formal votes, this is called absolute majority. The person with the least votes is excluded and their votes are distributed to the other candidates depending who the people put as their candidate number two, this helps to determine who wins the election.This process continues until someone reaches absolute majority.

Question 8

Compulsory voting

Answer 8

According to the Australian Electoral Commission, people who fail to vote will be sent a letter asking to provide a legitimate reason or pay a $20 fine.

If they fail to pay the fine or provide a valid reason for not voting, the matter will be sent to court.

Question 9

Australia legal system

Answer 9

All individuals are equal before the law

Individuals have the right to a fair hearing

The judiciary (the court system) is independent and impartial

Individuals have the right to a reasonable appeal

Question 10

Criminal law

Answer 10

Criminal law is concerned with cases in which a person has committed an offence against the wellbeing of the community. It includes offences against:
◗ the state, such as treason or sabotage
◗ a person, such as murder or assault
◗ property, such as theft or damage
◗ public order, such as traffic offences and abusive language.

Defendant/Accused

.

Question 11

Civil law

Answer 11

Civil law is concerned with cases in which there is a dispute between two private
individuals. (For the purpose of the law, a corporation or a company is considered
to be an individual.) The courts hear civil cases in order to determine the rights of
individuals and to settle the dispute.

Examples of civil cases include:
◗ ownership of property
◗ contracts or other legally binding agreements
◗ divorce

Plantiff/Defendant

Question 12

Court hierarchy

Answer 12

Magistrate county supreme high court

Question 13

Jurisdiction of the courts

Answer 13

Civil: Magistrate under 100,000 county over 100,000, supreme over 100,00 complex

Criminal: Magistrate less serious, county more serious, supreme most serious

Question 14

Parties of the courts

Answer 14

Criminal civil,
CIVIL-plaintiff, defendant,
CRIMINAL- accused, defendant

Question 15

Key personnel in the legal systems

Answer 15

Judge, jury prosecutor