representative nature

Question 1

representative nature of parliament

Answer 1

australias parliamentary system is expected to be representative of the people
this means that MPs are elected directly by the people and make laws on their behalf
- if they fail to make laws that reflect the views and values of the people or fail to address their needs they risk not being re-elected
- this ensures that MPs engage with and listen to the views and concerns of the elecorate
3 years - hor
6 years - senate

Question 2

diversity of parliament

Answer 2

• australia is a diverse country, yet Australia’s parliaments have generally not reflected this diversity
• female representation is increasing. Indigenous and non-European representation is still low
• some people argue that this lack of diversity in parliament undermines the principle of representative government. others argue that this isnt a problem –> parliament can still represent the needs of the public

Question 3

connecting with the public

Answer 3

individuals and communities can communicate with their local members of parliament or use methods such as petitions and demonstrations to put forward their views
- parliaments can rely on formal law reform bodies to gauge the views of communities to help ensure those views are represented in law making
- members of parliament may argue that this has not prevented them in the past from enacting legislation that promoted the interests of minority groups.

Question 4

willingness to act in accordance of the views of the majority

Answer 4

the representative nature of parliament encourages members of parliament to listen to the views of the community and make laws in accordance with these views
- when people see a need they act (create petitions, take to social media)
- the fact that parliament is representative means that these activities can often be influenced in promoting law reform
NOT ALWAYS A GOOD THING
- to get re-elected, MPs may introduce and support legislation that is popular with voters rather than passing laws that may be necessary, but are unpopular
- difficult to predict the future views and needs of the community

Question 5

regular elections

Answer 5

to achieve representative government, there needs to be regular elections so people can vote for politicians to represent them
- if the government does not represent people during its term in office, it will likely be voted out
COMPULSORY TO VOTE
- some say undermines rep government bc it forces those uninterested to vote
- other say it helps provide a clearer picture of what the public wants
- forces political candidates to consider the needs of the entire society when formulating their policies
FEDERAL ELECTIONS- every 3 years
VIC ELECTIONS- every 4 years on the last sat of nov

Question 6

federal elections

Answer 6

a criticism of federal elections is that they are not helf on a fixed date
- a government can call for an early election when the political climate seems favourable
- to change the federal term, there would need to be a federal referendum as section 28 of the constitution provides a term of 3 years max

Question 7

vic elections

Answer 7

4 year terms might encourage governments ot be more willing to introduce law reforms that have a longer-term benefit bc they will be less concerned about any short-term negative impacts associated with the reform
- gives voters more certainty and allow businesses to be more confident about investment
- businesses often delay making important decisions prior to an election in anticipation that the government might change