SM1 WK1 - Operating principle of a liberal democracy Flashcards
What is the Equality of Political rights?
- Political rights are entitlements essential to citizens’ ability to govern themselves. It enables political participation in government
- It is a citizens’ political right to vote that gives them the opportunity to participate by contributing to the composition of their parliament and to be represented in government and law-making
- It enables citizens to enjoy the same opportunities to engage in political participation as every other citizen
What does Section 25 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights state?
a. Take part in the conduct of public affairs directly or through a representative;
b. To vote and to be elected at periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expressions of the will of the electors;
c. To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country
What is the Majority rule?
It is the will of the people that determines who wields the executive power to implement laws.
What are ways the Majority rule is made [Legislature and Executive]
- A legislature chosen by the people. Laws are made by a parliament composed of representatives chosen by the people -> It ensures that laws reflect the values if the majority of the people. Parliament reflect the will of the majority in the law it passes
- An executive is chosen by the people. The executive [the government] carries out the laws and makes policies to implement them.
How does Australia achieve the Majority Rule?
Australia achieves majority rule in its executive government by having its representative parliament determine government. The government in Australia is the political party or party with a majority of seats in the lower house of parliament.
What is Political Participation? Give an example.
Occurs when people actively take part in their own government by putting use to their political rights and freedoms.
This enables them to influence law-making and government decision-making
What is Political freedom? Give an example.
These are entitlements people have that enable them to participate in their government.
This also means to be free and be able to make choices without intimidation, coercion or pressure from those with power.
Australians can have opinions and have the right to express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions freely through different forms of communication [lobbying, protesting etc.].
What do Australians not have political freedom towards?
They have an implied right to political communication but not a right to free speech. This means there are certain limits of freedom about what is expressed and how people act - such as racial vilification or hatred - contrary to accepted norms.
