Exam Revision 6 Flashcards

1
Q

How do democratic systems differ from
authoritarian governments?

A

In simple terms, a democratic system allows people to choose their leaders and have a say in decisions through voting and free speech. Power is shared, and leaders are accountable to the people.

whereas, In an authoritarian government, power is concentrated in one person or a small group. People have little to no say in decisions, and leaders are not accountable to the public. Rights like free speech and free elections are of

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2
Q

Do you think communism is a fair system of government

A

Communism is a system where the government controls all resources and wealth, aiming to create equality by eliminating private property. In theory, this should lead to a fair society where everyone has what they need, and there is no poverty or social class. However, in practice, communist governments have often faced challenges, such as limited personal freedom, lack of motivation to work hard without personal rewards, and economic inefficiencies. These issues have led some people to see communism as an ideal that’s difficult to achieve successfully.

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3
Q

What is the rule of law

A

Rule of law: The rule of law means that laws are applied equally to all individuals and institutions, including the government. It ensures that no one is above the law and that legal processes are fair and impartial. Upholding the rule of law protects citizens from arbitrary actions and promotes a just and stable society.

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4
Q

What is the separation of powers?

A

The separation of powers is a system in government where power is divided among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This system ensures that no single branch has too much power. The legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. By keeping these powers separate, each branch can check and balance the others, protecting against abuses of power and promoting fairness in government.

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5
Q

What is civil rights

A

Civil Rights are the rights of liberty and equal treatment before the law, including provisions to protect the liberty of a person, freedom of speech, thought and faith, as well as rights to justice and freedom without restrictions from the state.

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6
Q

Explain the three components of the democratic system of the government and their functions?

A

1)Legislature: (Parliament)
The legislature is the branch of government responsible for making laws. It represents the people and is usually composed of elected representatives. Its functions include:

  1. Lawmaking:
    The primary role of the legislature is to propose, debate, and pass laws that govern the country. This involves the drafting, discussion, amendment, and voting on bills.
  2. Representation:
    Legislatures represent the interests of the citizens and ensure that various perspectives and concerns are considered in the lawmaking process. Representatives act as a voice for their constituents.
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7
Q

In the political spectrum what is the Far-right wing?

A

The belief of ‘far right wing’ states that people should not have equal rights or receive protections because some are “superior” to others. In a fascist society some groups are prevented from becoming equal due to discrimination. This could be based on race, religion, social class or ethnicity. In practice, fascist states do not have freedoms for the people. In the ‘far right wing’ there is a large divide between rich and poor.

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8
Q

what is one chrematistic of economic right and how does this differ from the left?

A

One characteristic of the economic right is a belief in limited government intervention in the economy. Those on the economic right tend to advocate for free markets and minimal government regulation in economic affairs.

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9
Q

what is the universal declaration of human rights?

A

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a foundational document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 that outlines the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. It consists of 30 articles that address various rights, including the right to life, liberty, education, and freedom from discrimination. The UDHR serves as a global standard for promoting and protecting human rights, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every individual and the importance of ensuring that all people can enjoy these rights without discrimination.

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10
Q

What is the purpose of international relations?

A

The purpose of international relations is to manage and foster interactions between countries, promoting cooperation, peace, and security on a global scale. It aims to address complex global issues, including trade, human rights, environmental concerns, and conflict resolution, through diplomacy and multilateral efforts. International relations help establish norms, treaties, and alliances that encourage stability and development, benefiting both individual nations and the global community. Ultimately, it seeks to build a framework where countries can collaborate and address shared challenges, supporting a more interconnected and resilient world.

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11
Q

What do international relations aim to do and understand about the world

A

International relations aim to understand the complex dynamics of interactions between countries and other global actors, including the motivations behind state actions, power structures, and the effects of cultural, economic, and political factors. It seeks to analyze and explain patterns of cooperation and conflict, helping us understand why nations ally or go to war, how global institutions shape policies, and what factors contribute to global stability or instability. By examining these aspects, international relations aim to promote informed strategies for peace, economic growth, and problem-solving on a global scale, ultimately fostering a more stable and interconnected world.

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12
Q

What do NGOs do?

A

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work independently from governments to address social, environmental, humanitarian, and economic issues worldwide. They often focus on providing essential services, advocating for human rights, supporting development projects, and raising awareness on critical issues like poverty, health, and climate change. NGOs operate on local, national, or international levels, mobilizing resources, conducting research, and partnering with communities to create positive change. Their work complements government efforts, often stepping in where public services may be limited or absent, with the ultimate goal of improving lives and promoting sustainable development.

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13
Q
A
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14
Q

What is the universal declaration of human rights

A

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a foundational document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 that outlines the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. It consists of 30 articles that address various rights, including the right to life, liberty, education, and freedom from discrimination. The UDHR serves as a global standard for promoting and protecting human rights, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every individual and the importance of ensuring that all people can enjoy these rights without discrimination.

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15
Q

How is the progress of the sustainable development goals been accessed

A

The progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is assessed through global monitoring and reporting frameworks, primarily led by the United Nations. Each year, the UN publishes the Sustainable Development Goals Report, which analyzes progress based on data collected from countries worldwide. This report relies on various indicators for each goal, covering issues like poverty, education, health, and environmental protection. Alongside this, national governments and international organizations regularly review their contributions, addressing challenges such as data gaps, unequal progress across regions, and external factors like pandemics or conflicts that impact SDG advancement.

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16
Q

What is globalisation, and why is the world a smaller place because of globalisation

A

Globalization is the process by which countries and societies become interconnected through increased trade, communication, technology, and cultural exchange. It allows goods, ideas, information, and people to move more freely across borders, breaking down barriers between nations and creating a more integrated global community. This interconnectedness makes the world feel smaller because it reduces distances in terms of accessibility and interaction; people can communicate instantly, travel more easily, and access products, media, and services from around the globe. Globalization has thus transformed economies, cultures, and social structures, making global connections a routine part of everyday life.

17
Q

What are the three separation of powers in Australia

A
  1. Legislative Branch: The legislative branch, also known as Parliament, is responsible for making and passing laws. In Australia, Parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and create legislation, shaping the laws and policies that govern the country. This branch represents the people and is accountable to them through elections.
  2. Executive Branch: The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws passed by Parliament. It includes the Prime Minister, ministers, and various government departments and agencies. The Governor-General, who represents the British monarch in Australia, also plays a role in the executive branch by formally approving laws and overseeing executive decisions. The executive ensures that laws are applied in practical, day-to-day governance.
  3. Judicial Branch: The judicial branch consists of Australia’s system of courts, including the High Court and other federal and state courts. This branch interprets and applies the law, ensuring that it is understood and enforced fairly and consistently. The judiciary has the power to settle disputes, review laws for constitutionality, and protect citizens’ rights. It operates independently of the other branches to uphold justice and prevent abuse of power.
18
Q

What is the upper house in the Australian parliament

A

The upper house in the Australian Parliament is the Senate. The Senate represents the states and territories of Australia, with 76 senators in total—12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories. The Senate’s role includes reviewing and amending proposed legislation from the lower house (the House of Representatives), ensuring that laws are carefully considered and balanced in the interests of all regions of Australia. The Senate acts as a check on the government by scrutinizing bills, government actions, and policies.

18
Q

What do we understand about affirmative action

A

Affirmative action refers to policies and practices designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized or underrepresented groups in areas like education, employment, and government. It aims to address past inequalities and promote diversity by giving preference or support to groups that have faced discrimination, such as racial minorities, women, and people with disabilities. Affirmative action is intended to create a more level playing field and reduce social and economic disparities. While supporters argue that it helps achieve equity and representation, critics claim it can lead to reverse discrimination or undermine merit-based systems.

19
Q

What is ministerial responsibility

A

Ministerial responsibility is a key principle in parliamentary systems, including Australia, which holds that government ministers are accountable for their actions and the decisions made within their departments. This concept has two main aspects: individual responsibility, where ministers must answer for their conduct and the administration of their portfolio, and collective responsibility, which requires the entire cabinet to support government decisions publicly. If a minister fails to uphold their responsibilities, they may be expected to resign or face parliamentary scrutiny. This principle ensures transparency and accountability in government, reinforcing the notion that ministers serve the public and must be held accountable for their governance.

19
Q

What is parliamentary responsibility

A

Parliamentary responsibility is the principle that the government is accountable to the parliament and, by extension, to the public. In a parliamentary system, the executive branch, including the Prime Minister and cabinet, derives its legitimacy from the legislature and must maintain its confidence to govern effectively. This responsibility involves answering questions, providing reports, and justifying decisions and policies to members of parliament. If the government loses the confidence of the parliament, it may lead to a vote of no confidence, potentially resulting in its resignation or the calling of new elections. This system promotes transparency, checks government power, and ensures that elected representatives can hold the government accountable for its actions.

20
Q

What type of democracy would Australia be categorised under?

A

Australia is categorized as a representative democracy with a parliamentary system. In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf in government. Australia’s system involves federal and state parliaments, where elected members, such as those in the House of Representatives and the Senate, pass laws and govern. Additionally, Australia operates under a constitutional monarchy, where the British monarch is the ceremonial head of state, and the Governor-General represents the monarch at the federal level. This combines democratic principles with a system of checks and balances.

21
Q

why does a consitution needed to be changed

A

May need to be revised and updated due to changes in society

Certain clauses or sections may become irrelevant or inappropriate

There may be imperfections that need to be corrected

To include a rule to make it more difficult to change

Establish a procedure for Constitutional change