Test 3 - Civics Multiple Choice and Short Answer Flashcards
(31 cards)
Contitutional Monarchy
- Consists of a written and unwritten constitution.
- The written constitution defines the structure of our legislature, executive, and judiciary in a legal document in writing.
- The unwritten constitution is not codified as a document and is defined by custom and precedent as embodied in statutes and judicial decisions.
- The monarch (king or queen) is Head of State.
Separation of Powers
- Legislature
- Executive
- Judiciary
Executive
- Implements the law and manages government.
- Consists of the Governor General, Prime Minister, Cabinet, and State Ministers
Legislative
- Making law, amending acts, creating statue law.
- Made up of HoR (151 seats), and Senate (76 seats).
- Ministers are considered part of this section to, as they contribute to the decisions in making the law.
Judiciary
- Interpret law and settle disputes using the law.
- Creates common law.
- Has different levels (Magistrates, District, Supreme)
Federalism
- The suffix ‘ism’ means an ideology.
- Federalism in Australia is a system of Government what divides lawmaking powers between two or more levels of government; one national, and another regional (called states).
- Each level of government has a degree of autonomy (self-rule) that gives it powers to make laws in certain areas.
- In Australia, the constitution details the legislative and financial powers of both each level of government (not local).
Advantages of a Federal System
- Divided and limits lawmaking power, protecting citizens and entities
- Increases scrutiny of government action, reducing corruption and absolute power
- Greater representation of citizens
- Allow for policies and laws to meet local preferences.
Disadvantages of a Federal System
- Duplication and inefficiency both the federal and state governments manage education, health and transport, leading to overlap and bureaucratic delays.
- Inconsistencies between states, causing confusion and inconvenience.
- Disparities in in funding and services. Some states may generate more revenue than others through mining or income tax even through GST revenue is distributed nationally.
- Power struggle between state and federal governments.
- The three levels of government lead to a high cost for maintain and administrate those aspects to a high standard.
- National crises lead to challenges in cooperation between state and federal government. Response from the government during bushfires, floods, and epidemics is limited by the coordination between different levels of government.
Representative Parliamentarian
- Representative parliament means that in our Australian Parliament, us as citizens choose representatives to make decisions on our behalf.
- It is a parliament that is elected by the people and acts on behalf of the people.
- Citizens will choose a representative that aligns best with their beliefs and values.
- Represents the views of the majority
- Sections 7 and 24 states that the ‘Senate and HoR are to be chosen directly by the people’
Responsible Government
- The government has two responsibilities to voters.
- That they are accountable to people during elections;
- And that they are accountable to parliament during question time.
- Ministers and members of parliament can be called upon to explain their actions in parliament
- There is public scrutiny of the law-making progress
- Ministers must resign if they do not carry out their role with integrity
Political Representation
- Political representation means that representatives of electorates (HoR) and States/Territories (Senate) are chosen by the people.
- People should be represented according to their gender, race, values, or political party ideology.
- Political representation is how well people are represented by government.
- We have voting which means that the majority is represented, upholding this principle.
Popular Participation
- The ability for citizens to participate in the political process.
- Voting in an election, run for a seat in parliament, or influence law by joining interest group or union.
- Political dissent means having the right to disagree with the policy made by the government.
- Australia also has compulsory voting due to fines issued if you do not vote. You can also early vote or postal vote.
Accountable Government
- Public and parliamentary scrutiny of the executive
- Independent auditing authorities
- Freedom of government information to citizens
Rights and Freedoms
- People have the right to freedom from government interference
- Right to silence, to vote, to a fair trial
- Freedom of speech, of movement, of religion, of association
- ESSENTIAL to a liberal democracy (freedoms for people)
Rule of Law
- The Rule of Law states that no one is above the law and that everyone is treated equally before the law.
- Natural Justice is the idea that without bias, a fair and just outcome can be achieved.
Just and Equitable Legal Systems
- The right to a fair trial is made up of these components:
1. Presumption of innocence
2. Impartial adjudication
3. Rules of evidence
4. Rules of procedure (each party has equal opportunity to express their thoughts, question, and cross-examine).
5. Burden and standard of proof.
Judicial Independence
- A judiciary that is separate from the other two arms of government (executive and legislature)
- Judges can make decisions without government interference.
- Separation of Powers allows for this and therefore the other sections can keep each other in check.
- Courts are there to decide matters
AUS vs IDN
Origins and Constitution
Established in 1901 as a federation after uniting 6 colonies
Can only be amended by a referendum
A federal system of government, constitutional monarchy under the Crown
Influenced by British parliamentary traditions, Westminster system, and Swiss Government.
Established in 1945 when they gained their independence
After years of colonial rule
Adopted unitary system of government, strong presidential system
Was influenced by the Dutch, Islamic Religion, and indigenous culture
AUS vs IDN
Legislature
Name: Parliament (Senate and HoR)
Structure: Bicameral (151 in HoR, 76 in Senate)
HoR: Initiates and passes law
Senate: Amends and reviews law, represents state interests
Name: People’s Representative Council (DPR), Regional Representative Council (DPD)
Structure: Bicameral (580 in DPR, 152 in DPD representing provinces)
DPR: Drafts and passes laws and budget, oversees executive
DPD: Provides input on regional issues, little legislative power.
AUS vs IDN
Executive
Head of State: Monarch (king or queen represented by GG)
Head of Government: PM (leader of majority political party in HoR)
PM: Leads the government, sets policy agenda, advises GG
Cabinet: Develops and implements policies
Head of State and Government: President (elected by the people)
Structure: Presidential system with cabinet appointed by president
President: chief executive, sets government policy, represents Indonesia internationally
Cabinet: Develops and manages government
AUS vs IDN
Judiciary
High court: Highest court for constitutional and federal matters
Federal Court
State/territory courts
Interprets constitution
Resolves disputes between States and the federal government
Supreme court: Highest court (civil and criminal)
Constitutional court: reviews law and resolves electoral disputes
Roles: upholds rule of law, interprets constitution, ensures independence from other two arms.
Upheld and Undermined
Political Representation
Regular elections
Elite dominance, political dynasties
Upheld and Undermined
Independent Judiciary
Constitutional court rulings
Corrupt judges, political pressure
Upheld or Undermined
Popular Participation
Mass protests, civil activity
Arrests of activists, intimidation
