Government structure Flashcards
What is a liberal democracy?
System of representative government where authority to govern is determined by the people and the protection of political and legal rights exists, based on the principles of liberalism
Equality of political rights
entitlements essential to a citizens’ ability to govern themselves, citizens having the political right to vote, free to express political opinions
Principles of a liberal democracy
Equality of political rights, majority rule, political participation, political freedom
Majority rule
legislature is chosen by the people through their representatives, the executive which carries out the law is also chosen by the people, used in parliamentary elections which allows people to choose their representative
Political participation
when people actively take part in their own government by using their political rights and freedoms, peaceful protests, writing a letter
Political freedoms
entitlements people have that enable them to participate in their government, being able to express opinions
What is sovereignty of parliament?
The idea that the parliament is the most powerful part of a representative democracy
What is the rule of law?
The concept that both the government and citizens know the law and obey it
What is constitutionalism?
Adherence of government according to constitutional principles for example the federal laws in the US
What is a constitutional monarchy?
System of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government
How is constitutional monarchy used in Australia?
The king is represented by the governor general
What roles does the legislative branch have?
Makes or creates law
What roles does the executive branch have?
Administers/executes the law
What roles does the judicial branch have?
Enforces the law
What is federalism?
The division of law-making power between one central government (federal/commonwealth) and numerous regional government (state)
What are the three types of federalism and what type is Australia?
Co-ordinate, Co-operative and coercive, Australia is co-ordinate
Co-ordinate federalism
each level of government is autonomous, little co-operation between the levels of government
Co-operative federalism/dual federalism
Balance of power between central and regional governments
Coercive federalism
One central government exercises control
What is the division of powers?
The split of power between federal, state and local
What is the role of government in a
representative democracy?
Government governs on behalf of the people in their name and using powers given to it by the people
What is the separation of powers doctrine?
It allows checks and balances to occur as it ensures the three branched of government are separate
What are the differences between the separation of powers and division of powers?
The separation of powers is the divide of power between the different branches of government whereas division of powers is the divide of power between federal, local, and state government, regards the branches powers surrounding the law whereas division of powers regards each levels different responsibilities
What is judicial independence?
People in the judicial branch such as high court judges cannot be pressured by the government as their pay cannot be diminished and they cannot be dismissed unless there is proven misbehavior (s72)
What is a responsible parliamentary government?
Government that is drawn from and accountable to parliament. They are kept accountable as they need support of the lower house to govern and must resign if there is a successful motion of no confidence
What type of federalism is Australia
co-ordinate as each level has its own responsibilities and financial independence
Define Australias political system
A representative democracy with a constitutional monarchy, organised as a federation with a responsible parliamentary government
Pro and con of equality of political rights in australia
Nobody is above the law, only australian CITIZENS can vote
Pro and con of majority rule in australia
Reflects what most people want (50%+1), tyranny of majority
Pro and con of political participation in australia
Technically have freedom of speech but not a law
Pro and con of political freedom in australia
Secret ballots, freedom of speech is implied
Feautures of the Westminster system
Bicameralism, constitutional monarchy, responsible parliment
Define Australia’s political system
Representative democracy with a constitutional monarchy organized as a federation with a responsible parliamentary government
