syllabus 1

Question 1

define liberal democracy

Answer 1

a system of government in which the rights and freedoms of all citizens are respected (liberalism)
AND
the people are sovereign and participate in government (democracy).

Question 2

operating principles of a liberal democracy

Answer 2

equality of political rights
majority rule
political participation
political freedom

Question 3

majority rule (and how it operates in australia)

Answer 3

will or desire of the majority of citizens is expressed in government policy and law making. More than half the people need to agree.
Majority rule is essential in a democracy.
The will of the majority is expressed at elections
Genuine elections must offer choice – choice of policy, ideology, candidates
in australia we have referendums

Question 4

political rights + examples

Answer 4

entitlements that citizens (but maybe not non-citizens) enjoy:
Right to vote (one vote – one value)
Right to run for public office
Rights to assemble and form associations like political parties and pressure groups

Question 5

political participation + examples

Answer 5

Citizens participate in democratic decision making system in the following ways…

• By having political freedom and autonomy to think for themselves and to express their views openly
• By accessing and contributing information to a free media (including social media)
• By assembling together in groups which have political aims
• By voting in elections (this is compulsory in Australia)
• By communicating with their local member of parliament
• By petitioning parliament
• By running for political office – ie. standing for election to parliament
• By being able to access the legal system to resolve disputes

Question 6

political freedom + examples

Answer 6

Freedom of thought (or conscience): The freedom to have your own views on issues.
Freedom of speech: The freedom to express your thoughts, to debate with others, to take part in the ‘contest of ideas’.
Freedom of assembly: The freedom to form groups, to gather together, to act with others
Freedom of the press (media): the freedom to publish, including the publication of news that is critical of the government and to investigate government activities.

Question 7

what makes a system of government liberal and democratic

Answer 7

upholding the principles of a liberal democracy

Question 8

key features of australian system that make it a liberal democracy

Answer 8

compulsory voting
freedom of the press
right to run for public office
referendums