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
List the four roles of parliament:
Legislation, formation, scrutiny and representation
Exclusive powers:
The constitution grants the Commonwealth exclusive powers to legislate to certain matters (coinage of money)
Concurrent powers:
Except for exclusive powers, the states have the power to make laws in relation to matters including some specific ones given to the Commonwealth (quarantine)
Residual powers:
The state has the power to legislate to all matters not stated in the Constitution (secondary school)
List three cons of federalism:
- leads to over government and confusion - unclear lines of political responsibility
- exaggerates conflict and excessive legalism
- divides powers-reduces nations ability to make national decisions
Westminster system (bupfuccr)
- bicameral parliament
- United military defence force
- parliamentary government
- Free trade and commerce in Australia
- United Australia to set immigration policy
- Cabinet government
- Constitutional monarchy (loyal to England)
- Responsible cabinet (majority supported party governs)
From United States of America (drrmh)
- Dual federalism (division between Central and states)
- Rule of law
- Representative government
- More defined Constitution (separation of powers)
- High Court
Define franchise
The right of eligible citizen vote in elections
Define compulsory voting
The requirement that all individuals with a legal right to vote must attend a polling place to vote
Define compulsory enrolment
Requirement that all individuals with a legal right to vote must register on the electoral role
Define fair elections
Elections offer equal opportunities for all competing parties and candidates (free and fair, equal value, majority rule)
How does Australia provide for fair elections (Carfec)
- Constitution (section 28 and seven) three yearly election for the house of representative and six yearly senate
- AEC as statutory authority ensure they are fair and independent
- reform to AEC (No gerrymandering or malapportionment)
- Full adult suffrage
- Compulsory voting results in participation
- Easy access to the voting
Define preferential voting
The winning candidate is the most supported (50% plus one)-number preferences consecutively
Define proportional voting
More than one candidate can be elected but they must reach the quota
