Civics & Citizenship test Flashcards
(38 cards)
what is a way that citizens can participate in democracy?
By voting in elections, protesting to the government, or becoming a member of parliament.
Why is voting important in a democracy?
It lets citizens have a say in who’s to rule over them, preventing dictatorship.
What does a democracy allow people to do?
Have a voice in how their own country is run.
What is a representative democracy?
When citizens elect officials to govern for them.
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
What does the legislative branch do?
This branch ultimately makes the laws, ready to present to the Judicial branch
What is the role of the Judicial branch?
This branch interprets and applies the law made by the legislative branch to the country/state/territory.
What does the executive branch do?
This branch puts laws into action throughout the country/state/territory.
Who is part of the executive branch in Australia?
The Prime Minister, Governor General, and government ministers are a part of the executive branch.
Why are the branches separated?
To stop one group from having too much power and prevent dictatorship.
What is the primary source of Australian law?
the constitution, legislation, and common law.
How does the separation of powers operate in Australia?
It divides the government into 3 branches
Which legal tradition does Australian law follow, and how is power divided?
It follows the common law tradition and has a federal division of powers.
Where are parliamentary laws made?
In parliament
Who votes on new Parliamentary laws?
Members of Parliament
What is a bill?
A proposal for a new law.
What happens before a bill becomes a law?
It is debated and voted on by members of Parliament
Who gives the final approval to make a bill a law?
The governor general.
What is a case law?
a law made by a judge’s decision during a court case.
What is a precedent in case law?
A past decision used to guide future cases.
How do courts make laws?
through decisions in real legal cases.
Who creates case law?
Judges in court.
Why is case law important?
It helps keep court decisions fair and consistent.
What is customary law?
Traditional law followed by the First Nations People.
