Politics Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Democracy:

A

Democracy refers to a system of government in which state power is vested (bestow) in the people or the general population of a state

power is excerted directly by people under a free electoral system (voting process)

(rule by the people)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

L1 - Democracy

Where does the word Democracy come from?

A

Democracy originates from the greek words ‘Demos’ meaning people and ‘Kratos’ meaning power/rule.

So democracy literally means Power of the people

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Direct Democracy:

A

Direct Democracy refers to when everyone votes for themselves (referendum) and the decision is based on the majority vote.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Representitive Democracy:

A

Representitive Democracy refers to when a general population votes for a politician to represent them in future votes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

L1 - Democracy

Why should everyone vote?

A

Everyone should vote for several reasons:
1. Participation - Compulsory voting allows citizens to directly shape their government
2. Representation - When everyone votes, the government reflects the diverse views of the population, leading to fair representation.
3. Accountability - Voting holds elected officials accountable, giving citizens the power to reward or replace them based on performance.
4. Majority Rules - Voting ensures that decisions reflect the will of the majority (maintaining fairness in process)
5. Minority Rights - Voting helps protect minority voices by allowing their representation in government, ensuring balance/fairness

(5 Democratic Principles)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Direct Democracy

A

Strengths of Direct Democracy:
1. Increased Participation: Citizens have a direct say in decisions, encouraging greater political engagement.
2. Transparency: Decisions are made openly, fostering trust in the political process.
3. Representation of Will (majority): It directly reflects the majority’s preferences, ensuring policies align closely with public opinion.

Weaknesses of Direct Democracy:
1. Impractical for Large Populations: Difficult to implement for complex societies due to logistical challenges.
2. Risk of Misinformed Decisions: Citizens may not always have the expertise to make informed choices on complex issues.
3. Tyranny of the Majority: Can lead to the majority imposing their will at the expense of minority rights.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Representitive Democracy

A

Strengths of Representative Democracy:
1. Efficient for Large Populations: Elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people, which is more practical in large societies.
2. Expertise: Representatives are often more knowledgeable about complex issues, allowing for more informed decision-making.
3. Accountability: Representatives are held accountable by elections, giving citizens the power to change their leadership.

Weaknesses of Representative Democracy:
1. Potential Disconnect: Elected officials may not always reflect the true will of the people.
2. Influence of Special Interests: Lobbying and money can impact decisions, reducing fairness.
3. Limited Participation: Citizens have less direct influence on specific policies, as they only vote for representatives.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

L1 - Democracy

Compare Representitive and Direct Democracy

A

Representative Democracy:
1. Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.
2. Practical for large populations and complex societies.
3. Elected officials may not always reflect public opinion.
4. Citizens participate mainly through voting in elections.
5. Allows for more informed decision-making by experienced representatives.

Direct Democracy:
1. Citizens vote directly on laws and policies.
2. Best suited for smaller populations or specific issues.
3. Ensures the will of the people is directly implemented.
4. Requires high levels of citizen participation and understanding
5. Can be time-consuming and inefficient for large-scale decisions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify the 5 Democratic Principles:

A
  1. Participation
  2. Represntation
  3. Accountability
  4. Majourity Rules
  5. Minority Rights
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Participation:

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Participation refers to the key role of citizens in a democracy to vote and participate in elections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Representation:

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Representation refers to how a democracy must represnt the will and diversity of the people.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Accountability:

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Accountability means that in a democracy, leaders and elected officials must answer to the people for their actions and decisions. This ensures they act in the public’s interest, as they can be criticized, questioned, or even voted out if they fail to meet expectations or break promises.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Majority Rules:

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Majority Rules refers to how the will of the majority shuld be followed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

L1 - Democracy

Define Minority Rights:

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Minority Reights refer to the individual rights of the general population that should be protected.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify an example of how ‘Participation’ is/not achieved

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Achieved
* People can vote in elections, ensuring that citizens have a direct role in choosing their representatives and influencing government decisions.

Not Achieved
* Voter suppression, such as restrictive ID laws or disenfranchisement, prevents eligible citizens from participating in elections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify an example of how ‘Representation’ is/not achieved

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Achieved
* Elected representatives in Parliament or Congress advocate for their constituents’ interests, providing a voice for different demographics in the legislative process.

Not Achieved
* Gerrymandering distorts electoral districts to favor one party, undermining fair representation and diluting the influence of some voters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify an example of how ‘Accountability’ is/not achieved

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Achieved
* Officials must regularly report their actions and decisions to the public and are subject to election outcomes and oversight committees, ensuring they are answerable for their conduct.

Not Achieved
* Corruption or lack of transparency in government operations can prevent officials from being held accountable for their actions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify an example of how ‘Majority Rules’ is/not achieved

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Achieved
* In a democratic vote, the outcome reflects the majority’s preference, ensuring that decisions align with the will of most voters.

Not Achieved
* Decisions made by a small, unrepresentative group without regard for the majority opinion can undermine the principle of majority rule.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

L1 - Democracy

Identify an example of how ‘Minority Rights’ is/not achieved

(5 Democratic Principles)

A

Achieved
* Protections for minority groups, such as anti-discrimination laws and equal rights legislation, ensure that their rights are upheld even if they are not the majority.

Not Achieved
* Legislation or policies that marginalize minority groups or fail to protect their rights can result in their needs and voices being ignored.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

L2 - Parliament

What did Australia need before the could send out colonies to Australia?

A

Before the colonies could join together as a nation they needed a constitution to set out the rules for how Australia would be run.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

L2 - Parliment

How and When was the Constitution written?

A

The Australian Constitution was written at a series of conventions (meetings).

The Constitution had to be agreed to by the British Parliament before federation could proceed.

The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act was passed by the British parliament in July 1900. And can into effect 01/01/1901.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

L2 - Parliment

What is the Constitution?

A

The Constitution sets out guidelines and principles of government and lays out the structure, power and authority of the government and different parliaments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

L2 - Parliment

How is the Australian Parliment structured?

A

The Australian Parliament is structured by being split into 3 branches:

  1. The King’s Representative (the Governor-General)
    Parliament is bicameral, meaning it is split into 2 houses:
  2. The Upper House (the Senate)
  3. The Lower House (the House of Representatives)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

L2 - Parliment

How are laws passed under Parliment?

A

Laws are passed under Parliament by first being introduced and debated in both the Upper House (Senate) and Lower House (House of Representatives).

To be approved, they must receive a majority of votes in both houses.

Once passed, the law is presented to the King’s Representative (the Governor-General) for royal assent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

L2 - Parliment

What are the main Roles of Parliment?

A

The main roles of the parliament at both state and federal levels is to:

  1. Pass laws. Bills are usually initiated in the lower house, but can be introduced into either house
  2. Decide and control finances – the collection of revenue through tax and the spending of public money
  3. Provide a place for discussion and debate of issues affecting the state/country
  4. Investigate areas of concern and report on various issues relating to government.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

L2 - Parliment

How many Parliments are there in Australia established by the Constitution?

A

The Constitution established **9 Parliaments in Australia: **
1. 1 federal Parliament
2. 1 Parliament in each State and Territory. (8)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

L2 - Parliment

For the following:
* Australians vote for federal representitive
* Federal Representitives
* Members in the House of Representitives
* Senators in the Senate
* Executive Government
* Min seats to form Government

Determine the representives for each:

(Federal Parliment)

A
  • 14 Million+ Australians vote for federal representitive
  • 227 Federal Representitives
  • 151 Members in the House of Representitives
  • 76 Senators in the Senate
  • 42 Executive Government
  • 76 Min seats to form Government
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

L2 - Parliment

For the following:
* Members in the House of Representitives
* Senators in the Senate
* Min seats to form Government

Determine the representives for each:

(Victorian Parliment)

A
  • 88 Members in the House of Representitives
  • 40 Senators in the Senate
  • 45 Min seats to form Government
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

How is the Commonwealth Parliment structured vs the Victorian Parliment?

A

Commonwealth:
1. The Kings Representitive OR Governor-General
2. Senate (Upper Huse)
3. House of Represenitives (Lower House)

Victorian:
1. The kings representitive (represented bu the Governor of Victoria)
2. The Legistative Assembly (Lower House)
3. The Legislative Council (Upper House)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

Who are our current Prime Ministers and Premiers in Australia?

A

Commonwealth - Australia
The Liberal Party/National Party coalition won the last election and is currently in government. The leader of the government is elected by the party and becomes the Prime Minister.
Currently this is Scott Morrison .

State - Victoria
The Labor party won the last election and is currently in government. The leader of the government is elected by the party and becomes the Premier.
Currently this is Daniel Andrews.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

What is the difference between Parliment and Government?

A

The difference between Parliament and Government is that

Parliament is a law-making body.
Parliament consists of both the Upper House (Senate) and the Lower House (House of Representatives at the federal level or Legislative Assembly in Victoria), including all politicians who were elected at the last election.

Government is the party which won the majority of seats in the Lower House of Parliament.
Therefore the government usually controls which legislation (laws) is introduced to and made by Parliament
The Government is led by the Prime Minister (federally) or Premier (in Victoria).

The Government is also in charge of the administrative departments which run the country (eg Department of Education, Department of Defence)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

Define Commonwealth:

A

The Commonwealth refers to the political association of sovereign states, including Australia, or specifically to the Commonwealth of Australia, the federal government system.

33
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

Define the House of Represntives (Federal) political groups:

(by identifying and explaining all political groups) (3)

A

In the Australian House of Representatives, political groups include:

  1. Government: The party or coalition with the majority of seats.
  2. Opposition: The largest party or coalition not in government.
  3. Crossbench: Independent members or minor parties not aligned with the government or opposition.
34
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

What democratic principles fo compulsory voting protect?

A

Compulsory voting protects the principles of participation and majority rule, ensuring that all eligible citizens contribute to election outcomes, making the results more representative of the entire population.

35
Q

L3 - Parliment and Government

Define the Legislative Assembly (State) political groups:

(by identifying and explaining all political groups) (3)

A

The Legislative Assembly in Australia typically includes these political groups:

Government: The party or coalition with the majority of seats in the Assembly.
Opposition: The largest party or coalition not in government, responsible for challenging the government’s policies.
Crossbench:
* Minor Parties - Smaller political parties that hold a few seats but are not part of the majority.
* Independents - Members not affiliated with any political party.

36
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

What is the role of an Australian Elector?

A

Under the Electoral Act, the duty of the elector is to:
1. attend a polling place
2. have their name marked off the certified list
3. receive a ballot paper
4. take ballot paper to an individual voting booth
5. **mark the ballot **paper
6. fold the ballot paper
7. place the ballot paper in the ballot box

37
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

When was compulsory voting instituted in each juristiction?

(states/federal)

A

Federal: 1924
Victoria: 1926

38
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

Why was compulsory voting instituted in Australia?

A

Compulsory voting was instituted to increase voter turnout and ensure that election results represent the entire population, preventing decisions being made by a small, politically active minority.

39
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

Do Australian electors have to say who they voted for OR if they voted?

A

Australian electors do not have to say who they voted for, but they are required to confirm if they voted as voting is compulsory.

40
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does compulsory voting interact with the democratic principle of participation?

A

Compulsory voting reinforces participation by legally requiring all eligible citizens to vote, ensuring higher voter engagement and a more representative democracy.

41
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

Define Secret ballot:

A

The secret ballot is a voting method that ensures voters’ choices are confidential, preventing coercion or influence from others and protecting the integrity of the vote.

42
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

Define Donkey Vote:

A

A donkey vote refers to when a voter ranks candidates on a ballot in the order they appear, rather than based on preference, often indicating a lack of genuine choice or interest.

43
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Participation relate to compulsoty voting?

A

Participation refers to the key role of citizens in a democracy which is to participate.

Then, Compulsory voting ensures maximum participation from all eligible citizens, preventing apathy and encouraging people to engage in the political process.

44
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Representation relate to Compulsory voting?

A

Representation refers to how a democracy must represent the will and diversity of the people.

Then, Compulsory voting ensures that the elected representatives reflect the views of the entire population, not just the most politically active or vocal groups.

45
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Accountability relate to Compulsory voting?

A

Accountability refers to how a democracy must be held responsible to the people.

Then, Compulsory voting forces the government to be accountable to the entire electorate since everyone is required to vote.

46
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Majority Rule relate to Compulsory voting?

A

Majority Rule refers to how the will of the majority should be followed.

Then, Compulsory voting ensures that the majority’s will is clearly expressed, as it includes votes from all segments of society.

47
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Minority Rights relate to Compulsory voting?

A

Minority Rights refers to how an individual rights should be protected.

Then, Compulsory voting ensures everyone has to vote, even those who might otherwise not, helping ensure minority voices are included in the election process.

48
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Participation relate to Secret voting?

A

Participationrefers to the key role of citizens in a democracy to participate.

Then, The secret ballot allows for greater participation by protecting voters from intimidation, violence, or social pressure, enabling more people to freely express their choices.

49
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Representation relate to Secret voting?

A

Representation refers to when a democracy must represent the will and diversity of the people.

Then, Secret voting ensures diverse representation by allowing voters to choose candidates without fear of retaliation, ensuring honest expression of the people’s will.

50
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Accountability relate to Secret voting?

A

Accountability refers to how a democracy must be held responsible to the people.

Then, Secret voting protects against vote-buying and rigging, making it easier to hold the government accountable through genuine and fair elections.

51
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Majority Rule relate to Secret voting?

A

Majority Rule refers to how the will of the majority should be followed.

Then, Secret voting reveals the true majority by preventing external influences from skewing the election results.

52
Q

L4 - Compulsory Voting

How does the democratic Principle of Minority Rights relate to Secret voting?

A

Minority Rights refers to how Individuals rights should be protected.

Then, Secret voting allows minorities to vote without fear, ensuring their rights are protected and their opinions can be expressed freely.

53
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How do you elect members of Parliament in the House of Representatives?

A

Members of Parliament in the House of Representatives are elected through a system called preferential voting.

54
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Define a Informal Vote:

A

An informal vote is a ballot paper that is not counted because it has been incorrectly filled out or doesn’t meet the voting requirements.

Examples include:
* Not marking the ballot paper correctly (e.g., not numbering all boxes in preferential voting).
* Leaving the ballot paper blank.
* Writing anything that makes the voter’s intent unclear.

Informal votes do not contribute to the election outcome.

55
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How can a ballot paper be incorrect?

A

A ballot paper can be incorrect for several reasons, including:

  1. Incomplete numbering: In preferential voting, failing to number all boxes or only marking one box.
  2. Incorrect numbering: Using the same number more than once or skipping numbers.
  3. Blank ballot: Leaving the ballot paper completely blank.
  4. Unclear marking: Adding drawings, symbols, or unclear markings that make the voter’s intention uncertain.
  5. Writing names: Writing the name of a candidate or additional comments rather than following the instructed numbering system.

These errors result in the vote being invalid and not counted in the election.

56
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Define a by-election:

A

A by-election refers to an election held to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives or a legislative body when a member resigns, passes away, or is otherwise unable to continue their duties before the next general election. It only takes place in the specific electorate where the vacancy has occurred.

57
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Identify the advantages and disadvantaged of preferential voting:

A

Advantages:
* Ensures the elected candidate has majority support (over 50% of votes).
* Reduces the likelihood of “wasted votes” as preferences are redistributed.
* Allows voters to express preferences for multiple candidates, not just one.
* Encourages more diverse candidates to run, as voters can choose their preferred options without “splitting” the vote.
* Discourages extreme candidates, as they need broader support to win.

Disadvantages:
* More complex for voters to understand and fill out correctly.
* Counting the votes and redistributing preferences takes longer than first-past-the-post systems.
* Can lead to strategic voting, where voters rank candidates based on likely outcomes rather than true preferences.
* May still result in elected representatives who don’t fully reflect the preferences of all voters.
* Risk of informal votes if ballots are not filled out properly.

58
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How often are the House of Representatives elected?

(Lower House)

A

The Australian Constitution states that they must be held at least once every 3 years.

59
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Who decides the date for the election of the House of Representitives

(Lower House)

A

The Prime Minister decides the date for an election. This could be at any time during the three-year term.
Elections are always on a Saturday and are independently conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

60
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How many members in the House of Representitives?

(Lower House)

A

151 members of HOR = 151 electorates

61
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How are Electorates organised?

(HOR/Lower House)

A

Electorates are organised based on population not geographical size, meaning the vary in size significantly.

An average of 150 000 citizens live in each electorate, with an average of 94 000 voters.

62
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How are the Members of the House of Reps elected?

A

Using the Preferential Voting system

63
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Define the Preferential Voting system:

A

The Preferential voting system refers to a system of voting in which a voter indicates an order of preference for candidates, giving the number one to his or her first choice and the last number to his or her last choice.

64
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

How does the Preferential System of Voting Operate?

A
  1. Voters write a number in the box besides every name on the ballot paper
  2. If a candidate gains an absolute majority or first prederence votes (number 1), they win the seat
  3. If no candidates receive an absolute majority, the candidate with the least number of votes is excluded and their votes are redistributed according to their second preference
  4. The process of redistributing vote according to preferences **continues until one candidate recievs more than 50% **of the vote and is then elected

absolute majority 50% + 1 vote

65
Q

L5 - Preferential Voting

Define the Absolute Majority:

A

The absolute majority refers to when a candidate recieves more than half of the votes in the preferential voting system.

66
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Left:

(left-winged politics)

A

The left side of politics are progressive, generally focusing on social equality, government intervention in the economy, and progressive reforms

67
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Identify left-winged Parties:

A

Australian Labor Party (ALP):
* Social welfare and services: (protecting workers)
* Advocacy for rights and equality
* using government action to reduce inequality and provide social safety nets.

The Greens
prioritise:
* environmental sustainability
* human rights
* social justice.

68
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Right:

(Right-winged politics)

A

The right side of politics is conservative, typically more focused on individual freedom, market-driven policies, and traditional values.

69
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Identify right-winged political parties:

A

Liberal Party of Australia (Coalition with the Nationals):
* Free-Market Economy
* Conservative Social Policies
* Minimal Government Involvement

70
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Progressive:

A

Progressive refers to politics that advocate for social reform, change, and improvement in societal structures, aiming to address inequalities.

71
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Conservative:

A

Conservative refers to politics that focuse on maintaining traditional values, institutions, and social order, emphasizing stability and continuity.

72
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define political Party:

A

A political party refers to a group that represents specific veiws or demographics, they aim to have members elected to parliment so their ideas can shape the way Australia is governed.

73
Q

L6 - Political Parties

What are the 3 requirements to form a political party?

A
  1. must have a minimum of 500 members
  2. must register their party with the Australian Electoral Commission
  3. Must write a constitution
74
Q

L6 - Political Parties

What do party members do?

A

Party members:
* suggest ideas for principles
* help select candidates for elections
* help election cammpaigns (how to vote cards)

75
Q

L6 - Political Parties

When does a political party become a parliment party?

A

A political party becomes a parliment party when it has a party member elected to a parliment at a state/territory level or federal level

76
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Minor Party:

A

A minor party is a political party that plays a smaller role in the political system than the major parties and often has less influence on policy-making. While they may have representation in the legislature, they typically do not have enough electoral support to win a majority in parliament or form a government on their own.

77
Q

L6 - Political Parties

Define Coalition:

A

A coalition is an alliance formed between two or more political parties who agree to work together in government or in opposition. In a coalition, parties combine their seats in parliament to achieve a majority, which allows them to form a government. Each party in a coalition may retain its identity and policies but collaborates for mutual benefit, often agreeing on a common platform of policies.

78
Q

L7 - Political Parties (pII)

A
79
Q

L6 - Political Parties

A