Semester 1 Exam Flashcards
Define Federalism
A system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central government and one or more regional governments
Define Federation
The creation of a nation by uniting previously separated states, each of which retains some powers of self government but also cedes others to a central government
Define Separation of Powers
Division of government executive, legislature and judicial powers into separate arms that act separately and are independent of each other
Define Bicameral
System of government where legislature is divided into the upper house and the lower house
Role of the Judiciary
Interpret laws and Settle disputes
Role of the executive
Makes policy and controls the government administration
Role of the Legislature
Law making
What does the judiciary consist of :
High court and Federal Courts
What does the executive consist of :
Governor General, prime minister, cabinet
What does the legislature consist of :
House of Representatives, Senate and Governor General
List 3 pro’s of FEDERALISM :
- regional governments are closer to the people and more responsive to the community
- political freedom by limiting powers of government by dividing the powers
- competition between regional governments improve the government services provided
Define Liberal Democracy
A political and legal 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
Features of a Liberal Democracy:
- majority rules
- equal political rights
- political freedom
- political participation
Define democracy
Political and legal system in which citizens of dissipate in decision-making directly or choose a representative to act on their behalf, it is characterised by individual freedom, equality and rule of the people
Features of a democracy
Free and fair elections, accountable executives, open political participation
Absolute monarchy
A leader inherits the position through hereditary and exercises complete power individually
Single party rule
Only one political party is allowed to exist and they control the political and legal system
Representative government
Citizens elect representatives on their behalf. In Australia we hold elections
Responsible government
System of government in which the executive must be supported by majority of the parliament and is answerable to the people
Separation of powers
The division of government legislative, executive and judicial powers into separate branches, each of which act individually and are separate from each other
Chapter 1 of the Constitution states:
That parliaments have ultimate authority to make law (legislative)
Chapter 2 of the Constitution states that:
The Prime Minister and ministers should administer the law (executive)
Chapter 3 of the Constitution states that:
Courts should resolve disputes and interpret the law (judicial)
Define Parliament
A representative body that has responsibilities that include the initiation and passage of legislation
