Government and democracy Flashcards
Democracy
A system of government in which the people have a direct say in what laws are passed + what decisions are made by the government.
Representative democracy
- Meaning to vote someone in to represent our views + says.
- Choosing someone to make decisions on our behalf.
Constitutional monarchy
A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organised government.
Consitution
A set of rules, principles, or guidelines that establish the law making powers of a country.
Crown
The monarchy
Government in Australia
- Local
- State
- Federal
Local government
Responsible for issues that effect local communities (eg. parking, rubbish collection, pet control).
State government
Responsible for issues that affect people in that state or territory (eg. schools, public transport, hospitals).
Federal government
Responsible for issues that affect all Australians (eg. immigration, defence force, money).
Federal parliament
Bi-cameral meaning it consists of two house.
House of representatives
- Lower house
- Green
- Represents the people
- 161 members
- often referred to as the ‘people’s house’.
- Speaker runs the house.
The senate
- Upper house
- Red
- Represents the state
- 76 members (senators)
- Often referred to as the ‘state’s house’.
- President runs the house.
Both (house of representatives + the senate)
- Scrutinise the government.
- Propose, debate, and vote on bills + amendments.
Political parties
- Australian labor
- The liberal
- The nationals
- The Australian Greens
The Australian labor party
Aims to promote equality, involve the people of Australia in decision making processes of our land.
- Leader - Anthony Albanese
- Current standing party.
The Liberal party
Believe’s in individual freedom + free enterprise.
- Leader - Scott Morrison.
Government policy
A rule of principle that works to better guide decisions, resulting in positive outcomes that enhance the community or unit.
Preferential voting system
Voter indicate a preference for each vote by placing a number in a box next to each name in order of preference. Each box must be numbered + only ballot papers filled correctly are counted.
Compulsory voting
A system of voting that requires all citizens to vote.
Australia’s democratic society
The people have the power to participate in decision making (voting in elections).
- Australia = citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
