Government & Democracy

Question 1

Rule of Law

Answer 1

The principle that everyone is subject to the laws of their society regardless of status and wealth

Question 2

Laws

Answer 2

Legal rules or principles made by State institutions such as parliament and courts that apply to all in a given society, and are enforce by the legal system through legal consequences.

Question 3

Rules (non-legal)

Answer 3

Principles outlining acceptable conduct that only apply to certain groups, made by leaders within hat group, which are enforced through a veriety of non-legal consequences

Question 4

Social cohesion

Answer 4

The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other for mutual betterment (survival and prosperity)

Question 5

The role of laws in achieving the purpose of laws

Answer 5

1. Establishing guidelines for acceptable behaviour (e.g pay for goods and services) and unacceptable behaviour (e.g steal another person’s goods)
2. Outlining individuals rights in the wording of laws (e.g the right to religious freedom)
3. Providing an avenue for peaceful and fair conflict resolution
4. Administering consequences to those that do not obey the law or infringe upon (interfere with) the rights of others

Question 6

Purpose of Laws

Answer 6

Maintain social cohesion

Question 7

Reflecting Society’s Values

Answer 7

If a law aligns with the majority of society’s current values, then members of that society are more inclined to follow that law, rather than disregard (ignore) it

Question 8

Ways laws may better reflect society’s values

Answer 8

1. The majority of voters have elected a party with certain views to make laws to govern them
2. There was strong campaigning effort to advocate for the laws

Question 9

Ways laws may fail to reflect society’s values

Answer 9

1. The law may have been established many years ago and represents a different set of societal values
2. There was pressure from media or vocal minority groups who successfully advocate for change

Question 10

Enforceable

Answer 10

If people break the law, it must be possible and practical to catch the violator and enforce the law.

Question 11

Ways laws may be more enforceable

Answer 11

1. The act that violates the law is done in public
2. There is a reasonable volume of violations

Question 12

Ways laws may be less enforceable

Answer 12

1. The act that violates the law is done in private
2. There is an unreasonably high volume of violations

Question 13

Clear and understood

Answer 13

It is important for a law to be written in a way that people can understand it, so the intent of the law is clear. Wording is for this characteristic.

Question 14

Ways laws may be more clear and understood

Answer 14

1. The law is written in plain English
2. The law and its intentions are explained through media releases

Question 15

Ways laws may be less clear and understood

Answer 15

1. The law is written in complex legal jargon
2. The law is unclear how it will apply

Question 16

Known

Answer 16

The public must know about the laws that govern them, otherwise they may not be aware of their obligations and follow the law. It is the responsibility of the individuals to find out what the law is on a matter that affects them. If someone breaks the law and then claims ignorance of its existence, there will be no leniency. That is becuase ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse’.

Question 17

Ways laws may be more known

Answer 17

1. A new law or a change in the law is made public with a media release
2. Public debates about changes to law occur before a change is made

Question 18

Ways laws may be less known

Answer 18

1. When little is made public about the law
2. Less debated or contentious changes to the law may not be publicised

Question 19

Stable

Answer 19

If a law is constantly changing, people may be uncertain as to what the law is at present, this uncertainty can limit the ability of individuals to follow the correct, current law

Question 20

Ways laws may be more stable

Answer 20

1. When the law has mostly stayed the same

Question 21

Ways laws may be less stable

Answer 21

1. When a law changes in differing directions quickly

Question 22

3 reasons for law reform

Answer 22

1. Changing community values
2. Technological development
3. Need for community protection

Question 24

Changing community values

Answer 24

If the law is to remain relevant, it must align with the values of the majority of people, therefore it must change to reflect these values to ultimately remain effective

Question 25

Technological development

Answer 25

Technology is constantly improving and opening up possibilities that have not previously been imagined. As new technology is developed, the community must be certain of how their laws apply in new situations, meaning the law must change to provide clarity and ultimately remain effective

Question 26

Need for community protection

Answer 26

Law reforms continually occur to make sure individuals and different groups within our community are protected and feel safe. This ensures that laws continue to serve their purpose, to ensure social cohesion.