Unit 2

Question 1

Define a dictatorship.

Answer 1

A dictatorship is an authoritarian form of government where a single leader or group is responsible for exercising power with limited regal restraint.

Question 2

Define a benevolent dictatorship

Answer 2

Where the people tolerate a dictator’s rule due to perceived benefits.

Question 3

Define a totalitarian dictatorship

Answer 3

Where all aspects of a citizen’s life are controlled.

Question 4

Define a civil dictatorship

Answer 4

Where power resides in an individual who has limited political restraints.

Question 5

Define a military dictatorship

Answer 5

Where power is maintained by the military in the interest of ‘saving’ a country from corruption.

Question 6

How does one go about maintaining a dictatorship?

Answer 6

• Suppressing freedom of thought, expression, and speech to limit opposition.
• censoring reporting and media to limit any critical dialogue.
• Using propaganda and education as persuasive strategies.
• Using violence and intimidation to suppress opposition.

Question 7

Define a theocracy.

Answer 7

A theocracy is a society where religion is the source of all authority. E.g. the Vatican, Iran.

Question 8

Define an absolute monarchy.

Answer 8

An absolute monarchy is a system in which the power to govern is vested in a group of people, usually representing a dynastic family. e.g. saudi arabia

Question 9

Define a constitutional monarchy.

Answer 9

A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as a head of state, with limited powers. e.g. Australia, Canada.

Question 10

Define an oligarchy.

Answer 10

An oligarchy is a system of government where power is concentrated in a ruling elite who have power due to wealth, family ties, corporate ties, religious, or military power. e.g. russia

Question 11

Define rule of law.

Answer 11

Rule of law is the belief that all members of a society, including those with political and legal power to make and carry out the law, must be subject to equal treatment by the law. Laws must be known, clear, and consistent.

Question 12

What are the principles of rule of law.

Answer 12

• supremacy of law, where no one can be punished unless they are proven to have breached a law by court
• equality before the law where no one, including the government is above the law and everyone is equal before it.
• judicial autonomy where courts determine their own decision making without influence from outside the courts.

Question 13

How is rule of law upheld?

Answer 13

• Media accountability: keeps public informed, and scrutinizes government. Sources are protected.
• Judicial independence. The judiciary holds the executive and the legislative accountable to the constitution
• Constitutional safeguards: this restricts govt.
• separation of powers: each branch checks and balances the other.

Question 14

How is rule of law undermined?

Answer 14

• AFP raids

- Mandatory sentencing

Question 15

What is constitutionalism?

Answer 15

A system of government that is defined and limited by a constitution

Question 16

How is constitutionalism upheld in Australia?

Answer 16

• Independent judiciary interprets the law created by other branches of government to ensure it follows the constitution
• s44(i)

Question 17

How did the UK influence Australia’s political structure?

Answer 17

• Constitutional monarchy
• bicameral parliament
• Responsible government
• Prime minister
• Conventions

Question 18

How did the US influence Australia’s political structure?

Answer 18

• High court
• Bicameral parliament
• Federalism
• Written constitution

Question 19

How did Canada influence Australia’s political structure?

Answer 19

• Governor general

- Washminster mutation

Question 20

How did Switzerland influence Australia’s political structure?

Answer 20

• Referenda

Question 21

Define majority rule

Answer 21

Majority rule is the belief that decisions of government reflect the interests of the majority of a population, without undermining the rights of minority group.

Question 22

What are the elements of majority rule

Answer 22

• The legislature is elected by the people

- the executive is elected by the legislature

Question 23

How is majority rule upheld in Australia.

Answer 23

• Holds regular elections where a candidate must secure a majority vote.
• The right to govern is afforded to the party with a majority of seats in parliament.
• the executive comes from parliament and is therefore representative of the majority.

Question 24

Undermined in Australia.

Answer 24

• the senate does not use a majoritarian electoral system, thus minor parties have disproportionate power.
  Independent and minor parties can hold the balance of power which can undermine the mandate of the majority elected government.

Question 25

Define equality of political rights.

Answer 25

Equality of political rights is the belief that rights that are fundamental to citizens’ abilities to govern themselves should be extended to all citizens.

Question 26

What are the key elements of equality of political rights?

Answer 26

• Participating in public affairs
• Equal voting rights with secret ballot and without coercion
• equal access to public services.

Question 27

How is equality of political rights upheld in Australia?

Answer 27

• the right to vote
• one vote one value principle
• elections are free and fair and are overseen by the AEC

Question 28

How is equality of political rights undermined in Australia?

Answer 28

• senate elections do not uphold one vote one value.

- permanent residents and those serving prison sentences longer than 3 years can’t vote.

Question 29

Define political freedoms.

Answer 29

Political freedoms are entitlements that all people have that enable them to participate in their government.

Question 30

What are the key elements of political freedoms.

Answer 30

• freedom of thought and religion
• freedom of expression
• right to peaceful assembly
• right to freedom of association

Question 31

How are political freedoms upheld in Australia?

Answer 31

• implied rights in the constitution
• aus has agreed to numerous international treaties and covenants on human rights.
• whilst rights are limited for the purpose of upholding other rights.

Question 32

How are political freedoms undermined in Australia?

Answer 32

• freedom of speech is limited in which is hateful or incites racial vilification
• right to assembly not if violent
• the mechanism for protecting rights are susceptible to government limitation as they are not constitutionally enshrined.

Question 33

Define political participation.

Answer 33

Political participation is the belief that people should actively take part in the electoral and political process by acting on their rights and freedoms.

Question 34

In which ways can political participation happen?

Answer 34

Voting, debating on social issues, joining pressure groups and political parties, writing to MPs, protesting, running for parliament.

Question 35

How is political participation upheld in Australia?

Answer 35

• all citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote.
• there is compulsory voting which results in a 90%+ turnout.
• Australians can organise political parties without restrictions
• the right to protest (E.g. blm despite covid restrictions).

Question 36

How is political participation undermined in Australia?

Answer 36

• s44(i) dual citizens cannot stand for office thus limiting their ability to participate.
• minority groups face disadvantage regarding voting enrollment.

Question 37

Define separation of powers.

Answer 37

Separation of powers refer to the concept that the three branches of government should be distinct that no one branch becomes all powerful. This ensures that each branch has limited powers and provides checks and balances upon the other.