Flashcards in Government Deck (38):
1
What is Representative Government?
An electoral system where citizens vote to elect people to represent their interests and concerns. Those elected meet to debate and make laws on behalf of the whole community.
2
What is Participatory Democracy?
When individual citizens participate in political decisions and policies that affect their lives (all citizens have a say in governing their society), especially directly rather than through elected representatives (Representative Government).
3
What is a petition?
A petition is a formal request for parliament to to take action. They are documents addressed to officials that are signed by individuals.
4
What is a Prime minister?
The head of an elected government. The Prime minister is the leader of the party with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.
5
Define Democracy
A system of government by the whole population, or all the eligible members of a state, in which representatives are elected.
6
What are the three levels of government?
Federal, State and Local.
7
What is the Federal Government?
The body of individuals at the federal level that set and and administer public policy, exercise executive and political power through customs, institutions and laws within a country.
8
What is federal government responsible for?
Defence, welfare, economics and international trade and relations, passports.
9
What is State Government?
The government in charge of a certain state in the country. The state government is responsible for everything not listed as a federal responsibility (sometimes both levels are involved).
10
What is the state government responsible for?
Police, ambulance, firefighters, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, public transport
11
What is Local Government?
The administration of a particular district with representatives elected by those who live there.
12
What is the local government responsible for?
Local roads and footpaths, parks and playing fields, libraries, local environmental issues, waste disposal and other community services.
13
What is The Opposition?
The second largest party or group of parties in the House of Representatives.
14
What are the three different elements of Australian Parliament?
The House of Representatives, the Senate and Crown.
15
What is the House of Representatives?
The lower house or the people's house. There are 150 members (MPs) in the lower house.
16
What is the upper house and how many members are there?
The upper house or house of review is known as The Senate. It is made up of 76 members, 12 from each state, 2 from each territory.
17
What does both the Senate and House of Representatives do?
Debate and pass bills, scrutinise government and represent the people of Australia.
18
What is the crown?
The Crown is the direct correspondent to the Queen, the Governor General.
19
Define Pressure Group
A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause (also known as Advocacy groups).
20
What is criminal law?
Criminal law is concerned with offences against the wellbeing of the community. These offences include offences against:
1. The 'State' eg. Treason
2. A person eg. Murder, assault
3. Property eg. Theft, damage
4. Public order eg. Traffic, abusive language Criminal offences are classified according to seriousness.
21
Less serious criminal offences, such as speeding or jay-walking, are known as?
Summary offences
22
More serious offences such as theft and homicide are known as?
Indictable offences
23
What is Civil Law?
Civil law is concerned with behaviour between one individual and another individual. For example, cases where there are disputes regarding ownership of property, contracts or divorce.
24
Why do laws need to be changed?
Laws need to change to ensure that behaviour is regulated so that actions which harm members of the community become unlawful.
25
What is compulsory voting?
Compulsory voting refers to laws which require eligible citizens to register for and participate in democratic election of representatives to form governance.
26
What are the advantages of compulsory voting?
The results are considered legitimate and a true reflection of society due to high turnout.
Elections focus on issues not making voters turn up.
Most Australians are in favour of it (Over 70%).
27
What are the disadvantages of compulsory voting?
If we have the right to vote, it is believed we should have the right not to vote.
Others democratic countries have optional voting
Voters could potentially submit a donkey vote.
28
What Preferential Voting?
This system takes into account the voters preference each candidate with a "1" next to that name, a "2" next to your second preference, and so on. When the votes are tallied, if no candidate has the majority of “1's”, the candidates with the fewest is eliminated and their vote is reallocated according to the voters second preference. This process is repeated until one candidate remains.
29
What is first past the post voting?
A voting method in which voters vote for a candidate of their choice and the candidate with the most votes wins.
30
What cases are heard with in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria?
Criminal law: Minor criminal offences eg. Traffic
Civil law: Damages up to $100,000
31
What cases are heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria?
Criminal Law: serious criminal offences eg. Manslaughter, murder
Civil law: unlimited damages
32
What cases are heard in the High Court of Australia?
Constitutional matters
33
What are the main political parties of Australia?
The Coalition- The Liberal Party of Australia, National Party of Australia, Liberal national party, country liberals
The Australian Labour Party
The Australian greens
34
Define Coalition
The Coalition, also known as the Liberal–National Coalition, is a political alliance of parties
35
How often are Australian federal elections?
Federal elections are generally held every three years unless the prime minister requests otherwise and is approved by the Governor General.
36
Define electorate
A geographical area of Australia represented by a member of Parliament elected at a House of Representatives election.
37
Who is Daniel Andrews?
The premier of Victoria
38