Part 2 - Australia's democratic rights and liberties

Question 1

What is Australia’s system of government?

Answer 1

a parliamentary democracy

Question 2

What characterises a parliamentary democracy?

Answer 2

citizens freely choose representatives to govern the country and make laws on their behalf

Question 3

What democratic beliefs do Australians share?

Answer 3

1. parliamentary democracy
2. the rule of law
3. living peacefully
4. respect for all individuals regardless of background
5. compassion for those in need

Question 4

Who has the power in Australia’s government system and why?

Answer 4

1. The power lies with the Australian people.
2. It is the Australian people who regularly vote for their representatives in parliament. Parliament makes and changes the laws that govern the country.

Question 5

Why are laws put in place?

Answer 5

1. so that a peaceful and orderly society can be maintained
2. so that all Australians can be protected and their rights ensured

Question 6

What is meant by “the rule of law”?

Answer 6

all Australians are equal under the law i.e. they must obey the law; nobody is above the law

Question 7

What are possible consequences for disobeying the law?

Answer 7

1. being arrested
2. being summoned to court

Question 8

Change should occur through … (1), never through … (2)

Answer 8

1. discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
2. violence

Question 9

In Australia’s democratic society, everyone is free to follow and share their … (1) as long as they do not … (2)

Answer 9

1. beliefs and traditions
2. break Australian laws

Question 10

All Australians are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of …

Answer 10

1. race
2. country of origin
3. religion
4. gender
5. sexual preference
6. marital status
7. age
8. disability
9. heritage
10. culture
11. politics

Question 11

What is meant by the spirit of ‘mateship’?

Answer 11

we help and receive help from each other (especially) in times of need

Question 12

What is a way in which many individual people and groups help others?

Answer 12

through voluntary community work

Question 13

What are some of the benefits of volunteering?

Answer 13

1. it is an opportunity to share knowledge
2. it is an opportunity to learn new skills
3. it can increase one’s sense of belonging to the Australian community

Question 14

How does the Australian government support people in need?

Answer 14

through social security and other services

Question 15

What freedoms do Australians value?

Answer 15

1. freedom of speech and freedom of expression
2. freedom of association
3. freedom of religion and secular government

Question 16

Who has the freedom of speech and expression?

Answer 16

1. all individual people
2. media institutions (e.g. newspaper, television, radio)

Question 17

What rights does the freedom of speech and expression include?

Answer 17

1. to express one’s views about any topic privately or publicly in speech, writing, art, film, music and literature
2. to meet with others in private or public places for social and political discussion
3. to criticise the government, peacefully protest against government decisions and campaign to change laws

Question 18

What are the limits of the freedom of speech and expression?

Answer 18

1. we must not harm others by our speech and expression
2. we must not make false allegiations or encourage others to break the law
3. we must not encourage hate or violence against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background
4. we must not be disrespectful of other people’s freedom of speech and expression

Question 19

What are some of the legal organisations that Australians are free to join or not to join?

Answer 19

1. political parties
2. trade unions
3. religious, cultural or social groups

Question 20

What are the conditions under which Australians can legally gather with others to protest agains a government action or an organisation?

Answer 20

1. the protest must be peaceful
2. people must not be injured and property must not be damaged

Question 21

What is the predominant religious heritage of Australia?

Answer 21

the Judaeo-Christian heritage

Question 22

Which public holidays reflect the Judaeo-Christian heritage of Australia?

Answer 22

1. Good Friday
2. Easter Sunday
3. Christmas Day

Question 23

What does it mean that the Australian government is secular?

Answer 23

1. there is no official national religion
2. religious and cultural practices are not above the law

Question 24

Freedom of religion means to be free to …

Answer 24

1. follow any religion that one chooses (as long as its practices do not break Australian law)
2. not follow any religion

Question 25

What equalities do Australians uphold?

Answer 25

1. equality in Australia 2. equality of men and women 3. equality of opportunity

Question 26

What does "equality in Australia" stand for?

Answer 26

there are laws in Australia to ensure equal treatment of all people irrespecitve of gender, race, disability or age

Question 27

Men and women in Australia have equal rights, including ...

Answer 27

1. personal choices and decisions 2. access to education and employment 3. voting, standing for parliament 4. joining the Australian Defence Force and police 5. equal treatment in courts of law

Question 28

In order to ensure equality of men and women, Australian law prohibits ...

Answer 28

any gender-based discrimination, intimidation or violence

Question 29

How does Australian society ensure equality of opportunity?

Answer 29

1. no class distinctions in society 2. a fair society (i.e. everybody deserves a 'fair go')

Question 30

Australians believe that what someone achieves in life should be a result of their ... (1), rather than their ... (2)

Answer 30

1. hard work and talents 2. wealth and background

Question 31

What are the responsibilities of an Australian citizen?

Answer 31

1. obey the law 2. vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum 3. defend Australia should the need arise 4. serve on a jury if called to do so.

Question 32

What are the privileges of an Australian citizen?

Answer 32

1. vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum 2. apply for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force 3. seek election to parliament 4. apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely 5. ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas 6. register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.

Question 33

What is a referendum?

Answer 33

a vote to change the Australian Constitution

Question 34

What must Australian citizens aged 18 and over do in order to participate in elections?

Answer 34

they must register their name and address on the electoral roll

Question 35

A general committment to defend Australia and its way of life is expected of all Australians, even though ...

Answer 35

service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary

Question 36

What is the purpose of the Jury service?

Answer 36

ensure that the courst system is open and fair

Question 37

Who can be called to serve on a Jury?

Answer 37

any Australian who is on the electoral roll (i.e. any Australian aged 18 or over)

Question 38

What is the task of a Jury in court?

Answer 38

to listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty

Question 39

What are some of the institutions of the Australian Public Service?

Answer 39

1. Centrelink 2. Medicare 3. Australian Taxation Office

Question 40

What are some of the kinds of consular assistance that an Australian can receive while overseas?

Answer 40

1. help in emergency situations such as civil unrest or natural disasters 2. emergency passports 3. advice and support in case of an accident, serious illness or death

Question 41

What are some possible ways to participate in Australian society?

Answer 41

1. join neighbourhood and local communities 2. volunteer to do social and community work 3. join an arts or cultural organisation 4. actively participate in political life

Question 42

Who needs to pay taxes?

Answer 42

1. individual people who earn money (e.g. from a job, a business or investments) 2. businesses that make a profit

Question 43

Taxes are collected in order to finance public services in the areas of ...

Answer 43

1. health 2. education 3. defence 4. roads and railways 5. social security

Question 44

Which government institution collects Tax?

Answer 44

the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)