Westminster Parlamentry system Flashcards
(19 cards)
Define democracy
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives - a representative government
Define Liberal (ideology)
relating to or denoting a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise
Define liberal democracy
a democratic system of government in which individual rights and freedoms are officially recognised and protected, and the exercise of political power is limited by the rule of law
Define Legitimate Authority
a government that has a genuinely held right to rule. legitimate authority is achieved by free frequent and fair elections. a competitive and open political process by which political office holders are selected. Government authority is mandated by popular vote, universal suffrage. The concept of social contract.
Describe the three main points of legitimate authority
Free - Citizens must be able to vote free from threats of violence or repercussion and polling places & voting must be accessible to all. Citizens must also be free to stand for election if they so wish
Frequent - elections must be held frequently to ensure citizens may have say as often as reasonable. 3-4 years is standard.
Fair - “it is important the winner wins” elections must be administered independently of the current government and must be free from fraud and corruption
what characteristics of Australian political life suggests that Australia is both democratic and provides for legitimate authority ?
Why is the separation of powers important?
checks and balances
also prevents tyranny and ensures accountability
what are the three arms of the Australian government
legislative
executive
Judiciary
Explain legislative government
- make laws
- citizens elect the representatives
- made of the house of representatives and senate
- Can override decisions made by the judiciary system
explain executive government
- Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws
- in charge of government agencies and departments
- governor general is the monarchs stand in and has ultimate power
- Federal Executive council are people already in parament and are in charge of different branches
explain judicial government
- interprets and applies law
- Includes judges and the courts
- Checks: Can strike down laws made by the legislature and declare actions of the executive branch unlawful.
- Because its independent o the other two branches, it allows citizens to challenge government rulings
describe the case of NZYQ
Human Rights
- universal declaration of human rights, adopted by the UN in 1948
- the rights that all people have by birth, regardless of their differences
Procedural fairness
- individuals are treated equally and fairly in the resolution of disputes,
- equitable access to judicial resources of such disputes.
- there is predictability and accepted, transparent and institutionalised process in how people are held accountable for their actions
Define pluralism
- recognition and both formal and informal affirmation of diversity within a state.
- protection of civil liberties and civil society
what is ultra vires
When government acts outside their power
What are 4 core principals of rule of law
- equality before the law (no one is above the law)
- government is subject to law
- law should not be arbitrary
- judicial independence
Explain some of the core principals of the Westminster system in Australia
- representative democracy
- constitutional monarchy
- constitutional conventions
- separation of powers
- representative and responsible
- bicameral parliament (the HOR and the senate)
What is a constitutional convention
A convention is an unwritten rule an accepted practice, not just what’s written but what is meant, what is the practice/convention.
eg, the prime minister is not mentioned in the constitution
