semester 1

Question 1

representative democracy

Answer 1

elected members act on behalf of the majority- founded on the principles of popular soveriegnty

Question 2

liberal democracy

Answer 2

a form of government in which a countries sovereignty is vested in its citizens. it makes sure to protect everyone’s rights and freedoms, including minorities

Question 3

operating principles of a liberal democracy

Answer 3

1. equality of political rights
2. majority rule
3. political freedom
4. political participation

Question 4

equality of political rights

Answer 4

political rights are entitlements essential to citizen’s ability to govern themselves. ie. the political right to vote allows for political participation.
EG. one vote, one value

Question 5

majority rule

Answer 5

2 components-
1. legislature chosen by the people- ensures laws reflect the will of the majority
2. an executive chosen by the people
achieved in Australia by having the representative parliament determine government

Question 6

politcal freedoms

Answer 6

freedoms allow people to participate in gov. without fear of intimidation, coercion etc.
ICCPR article 19: right to hold opinions without interference

Question 7

political participation

Answer 7

when people actively take part in their own government

Question 8

rule of law

Answer 8

the ROL’s most important characteristic is that everyone, even those with political power must be subject to the law
- it protects citizens from abuses of power

Question 9

seperation of powers

Answer 9

• prevents the concentration of power in the hands of one leader or an elite group
• legislature- makes law
• judiciaries- interpret law
• executives- carry out the law

Question 10

checks and balances

Answer 10

checks are limits to power.
balances are an equivalence of different types of power
each branch of government provide checks and balances on each other