Political And Legal Systems Definitions Flashcards
Liberal democracy
A political system in which democratically based institutions of government are constrained by liberal inspired constitutional arrangements, political practices and popular expectations that limit the scope and capacity of the governmental sector.
What are five operating principles of a liberal democracy
Equality of political rights Majority rule Political participation Political freedom Rule of law
How does equality of political rights operate in Aus vs. North Korea
In Aus means legislation ensures equality of equal rights to all citizens before the law.
- protection, association, fair and regular elections,
universal franchise, free press, right to hold office
In nkpr they limit rights of citizens based on social standards.
How does majority rule operate in Aus vs. North Korea
In Aus,Westminster system responsible parliamentary govt. mean greater number should excercise greater power
- majoritarian electoral system in HOR (50%+1), pm
is leader of part w most seats, compulsory voting
In nkpr there is majority rule
How does political participation operate in Aus vs. North Korea
In Aus right to be involved
- join political party, vote, protest, contact rep, freedom of association, stand for election,
In nkpr only can vote, and even then it’s from one party and if you choose to vote for someone it’s considered treason
How does rule of law operate in Aus vs. North Korea
In aus we can appeal cases to a higher court, a transparent judiciary to hold everyone accountable and separation of powers to make an independant judiciary
In nkpr it is rule by law
How does is govt drawn from and accountable to parliament?
Pm drawn from HOR, and cabinet drawn from parliament.
legislature hold govt a countable as it can remove the PM and whole governing party in a vote of no confidence, HOR hold question time, senate reviews legislation initiated in executive.
governor general holds govt accountable as can remove prime minister and ministers
What are two non democratic systems of govt.
absolute monarchy
- form of govt that’s ruled by one person inherited the position, whose actions aren’t restrained by written law or custom
Totalitarian dictatorship
- form of govt which political authority excersises absolute and centralised control over all aspects of life
Representative government
An electoral system with citizens vote to elect people to represent their interests and concerns (Australia house of reps represent peoples views in parliament).
How does political freedom operate in Aus vs. North Korea
In Aus we have liberties to be involved and discuss political and legal matters without fear of govt. ramification
- free media, right to assemble, right to demonstrate
In nkpr none of these freedoms. U will be executed
Responsible government
Executive is your drawn from and accountable to legislative
How is govt drawn by and held accountable to parliament
- Pm drawn from HOR
- Cabinet drawn from parliament
- Vote of no confidence in legislature remove pm and governing party
- Gg can remove pm and ministers
- HOR question time (scrutinise)
- Senate power of review on legislation from executive (scrutinise)
Separation of powers
A doctorate by which the functions of government to make carryout and interpret and apply the laws are dispersed equally in order to prevent the concentration of power. It is a key feature to democracy.
Study function and operations of government branches
Pg. 3
Parliament
Representative body that has responsibilities include initiation and passage of legislation. The federal parliament consists of the Queen (represented by the governor general) house of reps and senate.
