SEMESTER 1 EXAM Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is democracy?
A system of government in which the people hold the power
5 principles of Australian Gov
-People power>gov gets power from people, people have ultimate say
-representation> citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf
-Gov accountability> leaders must justify their actions and can be removed if they miss use power
-Elections> regular and free elections ensure people can choose their leaders
-Human rights and freedoms> democracies protect important rights (making sure law is followed)
Australian constitution
-A written doc, explains how constitution is governed
-made in 1901
-purpose is to ensure gov functions properly and power is shared between federal and state govs
-can only be changed by referendum
Separation of powers
A principle in a democracy that divides the government into 3 branches to prevent any group getting more power than others
3 branches of Separation of powers:
Legislative: makes law, passes law, in Australia, HOR and senate.
Executive: applies and manages laws, in Australia, PM and Gov departments
Judiciary: ensures laws are applied fairly, resolves disputes made about the law, in Australia, courts and judges
Federation
system that joins together to make one country
Federalism
sharing the power inside the country
Exclusive powers
Only federal gov can use this power (e.g. defense and immigration)
Concurrent powers
Both federal and state gov share this power (e.g. taxing and trade)
Residual powers
not mentioned in the constitution, belongs to the state (e.g. education and transport)
Role of the high court
-Interpreting constitution: solves disputes about law making progress.
-keeping constitution relevant: apply rules to modern issues.
-acting as an umpire: make sure parliament stays within its powers.
-protecting rights finds and implies freedom.
-resolves disputes: handles clashes.
Rule of law
-Everyone is = under the law
-nobody is above the law
-laws are known, recognized, and enforced by authority
-“Rule of law, not of men”
Imperial Japan
-Japan wanted to expand and gain resources
-they believed that they should rule Asia
-took over parts of China, Korea, and south-east Asia
-treated people in those countries harshly
-attacks pearl harbor in 1941
-fought Australia, America, Britian in Pacific
-1945, USA dropped atomic bombs
-Japan surrendered, ending WW2
Bombing of pearl harbor
-1941, Japan launched Suprise attack on US naval base
-Over 2000 Americans were killed, ships and aircrafts were destroyed
-attacks aimed to weaken US and stop interference in Japanese expansion
-Next day, Us declared war on
