Government structure

Question 1

What is a liberal democracy?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Equality of political rights

Answer 2

entitlements essential to a citizens’ ability to govern themselves, citizens having the political right to vote, free to express political opinions

Question 3

Principles of a liberal democracy

Answer 3

Equality of political rights, majority rule, political participation, political freedom

Question 4

Majority rule

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Political participation

Answer 5

when people actively take part in their own government by using their political rights and freedoms, peaceful protests, writing a letter

Question 6

Political freedoms

Answer 6

entitlements people have that enable them to participate in their government, being able to express opinions

Question 7

What is sovereignty of parliament?

Answer 7

The idea that the parliament is the most powerful part of a representative democracy

Question 8

What is the rule of law?

Answer 8

The concept that both the government and citizens know the law and obey it

Question 9

What is constitutionalism?

Answer 9

Adherence of government according to constitutional principles for example the federal laws in the US

Question 10

What is a constitutional monarchy?

Answer 10

System of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government

Question 11

How is constitutional monarchy used in Australia?

Answer 11

The king is represented by the governor general

Question 12

What roles does the legislative branch have?

Answer 12

Makes or creates law

Question 13

What roles does the executive branch have?

Answer 13

Administers/executes the law

Question 14

What roles does the judicial branch have?

Answer 14

Enforces the law

Question 15

What is federalism?

Answer 15

The division of law-making power between one central government (federal/commonwealth) and numerous regional government (state)

Question 16

What are the three types of federalism and what type is Australia?

Answer 16

Co-ordinate, Co-operative and coercive, Australia is co-ordinate

Question 17

Co-ordinate federalism

Answer 17

each level of government is autonomous, little co-operation between the levels of government

Question 18

Co-operative federalism/dual federalism

Answer 18

Balance of power between central and regional governments

Question 19

Coercive federalism

Answer 19

One central government exercises control

Question 20

What is the division of powers?

Answer 20

The split of power between federal, state and local

Question 21

What is the role of government in a
representative democracy?

Answer 21

Government governs on behalf of the people in their name and using powers given to it by the people

Question 22

What is the separation of powers doctrine?

Answer 22

It allows checks and balances to occur as it ensures the three branched of government are separate

Question 23

What are the differences between the separation of powers and division of powers?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is judicial independence?

Answer 24

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)

Question 25

What is a responsible parliamentary government?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What type of federalism is Australia

Answer 26

co-ordinate as each level has its own responsibilities and financial independence

Question 27

Define Australias political system

Answer 27

A representative democracy with a constitutional monarchy, organised as a federation with a responsible parliamentary government

Question 28

Pro and con of equality of political rights in australia

Answer 28

Nobody is above the law, only australian CITIZENS can vote

Question 29

Pro and con of majority rule in australia

Answer 29

Reflects what most people want (50%+1), tyranny of majority

Question 30

Pro and con of political participation in australia

Answer 30

Technically have freedom of speech but not a law

Question 31

Pro and con of political freedom in australia

Answer 31

Secret ballots, freedom of speech is implied

Question 32

Feautures of the Westminster system

Answer 32

Bicameralism, constitutional monarchy, responsible parliment

Question 33

Define Australia’s political system

Answer 33

Representative democracy with a constitutional monarchy organized as a federation with a responsible parliamentary government