Semester 1 Flashcards
What is a liberal democracy
A political system in which democratically based institutions of government are constrained by liberal inspired constitutional arrangements, political practices and popular expectations
What are some democratic ideas?
They promote the notion that government should be accountable to citizens: elected by majority of citizens in a free vote and should govern the interests of the community
What do liberal ideals promote
The notion that government should be held in check by having only limited powers. Seek to ensure that governments where democratically elected by majority of citizens or not are significantly constrained in their capacity to override the interests of minority’s
What are the operating principles of liberal democracy
- equality of political rights
- majority rule
- political participation
- political freedom
What is a responsible and representative government!
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Government in which the public elects a leader to represent the needs of the people as well as the will of the people.
RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT
A system of government derived from British Westminster principles in which the executive must be supported by a majority of the parliament that is itself answerable to the people.
What is a direct democracy
A form of democracy where all citizens are directly involved in all key decisions affecting their lives.
5 Keys principles of a democracy and a free society?
- Free and fair elections
- majority rule
- representative parliaments
- Accountable executives
- open political participation
- just and equitable (fair and impartial) legal systems
What is the rule of law?
Principle that outlines that all individuals are all equal befor the law. Subject to it, that there should be an effective way of holding the government accountable and that the law should be clear, understandable and not retrospective.
It Rejects Arbitrary and absolute power.
What is the division of powers
An arrangement where the responsibilities of government are allocated to the different levels in a federation.
Some times referred to as the ‘federal balance’
Eg. Federal authorities and state
What is sovereignty?
The supreme authority to govern an independent nation.
In constitutional democracies sovereign power is based on the consent of the people and operates through the rule of law.
In non democratic governments sovereignty may be based on traditional or religious authority or on coercive power.
In federation sovereignty is divided with each level of government holding sovereign powers to make laws in distinct areas.
Role of legislative in Australia
Legislative
To legislate (make laws)
made up of parliament (House of Representatives and the Senate) and also includes the Governor General acting on behalf of the Queen
Role of executive in Australia
To administers the law
Made up of Prime Minister, cabinet (senior ministers) and Queen represented by Governor General
Initiate policy proposals for legislature, supervises the administration of laws passed by legislature, manage the business of government, Governor General gives royal assent to pass laws passed by parliament.
Role of judiciary in Australia
To enforces laws
Includes court system (high, supreme, district, magistrates)
How does Australia apply the rule of law?
- Australia has a responsible government in which executive must be supported by majority of parliament
- parliament is answerable to the people
- the Government must resign if defeated in a vote of no confidence in the lower House of Parliament or in an election
Separation of powers in Australia?
- in Australia legislator has law making powers
- executive includes the administration of laws and business of government. the party that hold majority in the lower House of Parliament forms the government (sometimes there’s overlap because some members of parliament are also ministers of government)
- task of applying law, courts are independent of legislative and executive functions. Courts are not subject to political interference.
Who holds sovereignty in Australia?
The federal parliament holds supreme sovereignty in Aus?
Checks and balances put in place by the separation of powers
- ensure all branches are accountable to each other
- power is shared and not concentrated in one branch
What is an ideology?
A set of doctrines or beliefs that form the basis of a political, economic or other system they tell us the proper place of an individual in society, the best means of organising the economy and the way one group or culture should relate to another
What is liberalism?
A democratic political ideology that emphasises individual autonomy.
5 things liberals believe in?
Personal freedom, religious freedom, free market economy, individualism and limited government interference
5 necessary features of a democracy?
Free and fair elections Majority rule Representatives Parliaments Accountable executives Open political participation
4 non democratic government types
Anarchism, absolute monarchy’s, totalitarian systems, aristocracy
What is conservatism?
Commitment and belief in values of stability and opposing change. Believe in sticking to traditional institutions and values and argue for limited government involvement in economic and social matters.
4 operating principles of conservatism?
- emphasise importance of nationalism, loyalty and moral uprightness
- seek to use institutions of government to reinforce these institutions and values
- believe in free markets
- tend to defend pass and oppose change