Test 3 - Civics and Citizenships

Question 1

Define democracy

Answer 1

A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Question 2

Two examples of democratic countries

Answer 2

Australia, Canada, USA

Question 3

Define communism

Answer 3

theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs.

Question 4

Two examples of communist countries

Answer 4

China, North Korea, Vietnam

Question 5

Reasons to vote

Answer 5

Holds politicians accountable, good way to bring about change, democracy requires participation,

Question 6

Head of state

Answer 6

Governor-General

Question 7

Who makes laws

Answer 7

Parliament and prime minister

Question 8

Australia legislature

Answer 8

Bicameral

Question 9

China’s legislature

Answer 9

Unicameral

Question 10

How often does China’s NPC meet

Answer 10

Once a year

Question 11

Polituburo Standing Committee role

Answer 11

Senior decision making body

Question 12

Members of the NPC

Answer 12

3000

Question 13

Define separation of powers

Answer 13

When the branches of government have no power over each other (legislative, executive, and judiciary)

Question 14

Why is separation of powers important to democracy?

Answer 14

Prevents abuse of power
allows for checks and balances between each branch of government
keeping them accountable
to protect individual rights and rule of law

Question 15

Compare and contrast features of Chinese govt and Australian govt

Answer 15

⇛China is a one-party state ruled by the Chinese Communist Party whereas Australia has a multi-party political system with Liberals and Labor Parties being the two major ones and many minor ones such as Greens, Nationals etc.
⇛Both run mixed economic systems (part capitalist and part command)
⇛China rules by law (law applies to everyone except the CCP parliament) whereas Australia has rule of law (law applies equally to everyone regardless of their position)
⇛Both have open courts
⇛Both are allowed defence lawyers
⇛Australia has a horizontal separation of powers whereas China has no separation of powers all branches are controlled from the top down
⇛Australia’s parliament has two houses (bicameral) whereas China has one parliament
⇛China’s parliament are elected for 5 year terms whereas Australia’s ministers are elected for 3 year terms
⇛Both have one leader, however, China’s leader is called a President and Australia’s leader is called Prime Minister
⇛China’s public servants are chosen based on popularity within the CCP whereas Australia’s public servants are chosen based on merit
⇛China focuses on equality of possessions and finances whereas Australia focuses on equality of opportunity

Question 16

Threats & safeguards reasons and examples

Answer 16

• Corruption - loss ot trust in government, increase in costs of goods, inefficient government
  Example - Police corruption 1970-80s
  Safeguard - whistleblower - Debra Locke recorded and reported on the corruption
• Organised crime - social and health effects of drugs, exploits vulnerable people, financial costs of fraud and identity crime, breach of human rights
  Example - Comanchero bikie gangs involved in money laundering and gun fights 2018
  Safeguard - Police - well resourced but capable of corrupting & whistleblowers from within organisations e.g. Sally McDow raising awareness of safety breaches 2015
• Interest Groups - media is reliant on lobby groups instead of doing their own research, have a greater influence on government decision making,can donate to political groups expecting something in return
  Example - Clubs Australia lobbied to keep poker machines in clubs and pubs. They lobbied to get people to vote against the Labor Party in 2012
  Safeguard - other lobby groups
• Terrorism - reduces respect for rule of law, human rights abused, reduces freedom of speech and creates civil unrest
  Example - Lindt Cafe - 18 hostages - 2 dead, 2014
  Safeguard - TRG Police - well resourced and reliable
• Unrepresentative government - breach of democracy when govt. do things that are against the wants of the voters
  Example - Tent Embassy protest against govt not giving land rights to Indigenous people 1972 - present day
  Example - Petition by Shane Raisher, 2015, 172,000 signatures to get the melanoma drug Keytruda on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
  Safeguard - Protests and petitions