Government Flashcards
What is Representative Government?
An electoral system where citizens vote to elect people to represent their interests and concerns. Those elected meet to debate and make laws on behalf of the whole community.
What is Participatory Democracy?
When individual citizens participate in political decisions and policies that affect their lives (all citizens have a say in governing their society), especially directly rather than through elected representatives (Representative Government).
What is a petition?
A petition is a formal request for parliament to to take action. They are documents addressed to officials that are signed by individuals.
What is a Prime minister?
The head of an elected government. The Prime minister is the leader of the party with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.
Define Democracy
A system of government by the whole population, or all the eligible members of a state, in which representatives are elected.
What are the three levels of government?
Federal, State and Local.
What is the Federal Government?
The body of individuals at the federal level that set and and administer public policy, exercise executive and political power through customs, institutions and laws within a country.
What is federal government responsible for?
Defence, welfare, economics and international trade and relations, passports.
What is State Government?
The government in charge of a certain state in the country. The state government is responsible for everything not listed as a federal responsibility (sometimes both levels are involved).
What is the state government responsible for?
Police, ambulance, firefighters, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, public transport
What is Local Government?
The administration of a particular district with representatives elected by those who live there.
What is the local government responsible for?
Local roads and footpaths, parks and playing fields, libraries, local environmental issues, waste disposal and other community services.
What is The Opposition?
The second largest party or group of parties in the House of Representatives.
What are the three different elements of Australian Parliament?
The House of Representatives, the Senate and Crown.
What is the House of Representatives?
The lower house or the people’s house. There are 150 members (MPs) in the lower house.