Civics & Citizenship Flashcards
(37 cards)
Define Democracy
A type of government where people elect representatives. There are four types of democracies; direct, representative, constitutional and monitory. Australia is a representative government.
What is the constitution?
A constitution is a set of rules/laws used to govern/run a nation.
A constitution can only be altered by a referendum.
Australia’s constitution came into effect 1 Jan 1901 when Australia was established.
Define Government
A system of political rule in which the individuals in it have the authority to govern a country or state.
Define Coalition
When two parties have joined together.
What are the roles of Parliament?
To make and change laws
Representing people of Australia
Provide a place where government is formed
Keep an eye on the work of the government
What people make up Parliament?
The Queen, Governor General, Senate and the House Of Representatives.
Who presides over the senate?
The President
Who presides over the House Of Representatives?
The Speaker
What are some similarities between the HOR and the Senate?
The similarities between the HOR and the Senate is that they are set up the same and have the same questioning time. Both the houses and a U shape, with the Government to the right of the Presiding Officer and the opposition to the left. They both also have questioning time at 2pm on sitting days.
What are some differences between the HOR and the Senate?
The differences between the HOR and the Senate is the decor colour and the number of seats. The HOR has green decor whereas the Senate has red decor. The HOR has 150 seats, one for every 100,000 voters in Australia, whereas the Senate has 76 seats, 12 for every state and 2 for every territory to ensure that every state has equal say.
Who is the Premier of Victoria? (and party)
Daniel Andrews (Labour Party)
What are the two houses called in Victoria?
Legislative Assembly (Lower House) and Legislative Council (Upper House)
Who is the Governor of Victoria?
Linda Dessau
What is an Independent?
Someone not aligned with a political party. They have views that do not fit a party mould. Parties rely on the votes of independents to pass important laws.
How often do people get elected in both houses?
Every 3 years in HOR, every 6 years in the Senate (for stability).
What are some factors that would make someone not eligible to vote?
Under 18 years old Been in jail for more than 5 years Not an Australian citizen Doesn't understand the importance and nature of voting Been convicted of treason
What are the 3 questions asked when voting?
What is your full name?
What is your address?
Have you voted in this election before?
What is the voting system used in Australia?
Preferential voting system
When and where is voting held?
On a Saturday in public buildings eg. a school
How does someone win an election?
They must get absolute majority, which is half the votes, plus one.
How does the Preferential Voting System work?
In the PVS, voters number their preferences, one being their first preference. The PVS works by first counting every voter’s first choice. If no party gets absolute majority, then the party with the least votes are redistributed according to their second preference. this process continues until one party has absolute majority.
What is a reason for compulsory voting?
Candidates can focus campaigns on issues rather than encouraging people to vote.
The voter isn’t actually forced to vote since it is by secret ballot.
What is a reason against compulsory voting?
People who are ill informed/have little interest are forced to vote.
increases number of ‘donkey votes’
Define rules
Rules set out the expected behaviour within a select group. Rules tell us how we are expected to behave and the behaviour we can expect from others.
