Questions and Answers
What is the primary meaning of the term 'democracy'?
In Australia, voting is optional for citizens.
False
What is the role of the constitution in a democracy?
The constitution defines the laws and governance of a state.
In Australia, the _____ enforces the law.
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Which of the following is NOT an arm of government?
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Match the types of law with their definitions:
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Individuals in Australia can make laws about religion.
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What does 'criminal liability' refer to?
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Study Notes
Democracy and Monarchy
- Democracy originates from Greek, meaning “people power”; citizens empower representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- A monarchy is characterized by a ruling family, often referred to as a royal dynasty, where the head of state typically inherits the position.
- The Queen serves as the head of state in constitutional monarchies, with law-making authority defined by the constitution.
Constitution and Commonwealth
- The constitution is a foundational document outlining how a country operates, detailing legislative powers and processes.
- Australia is part of the Commonwealth, a group of 53 countries previously under British governance, including Canada, India, and South Africa.
Voting in Australia
- Voting is compulsory in Australia; citizens must attend the polls even if they choose not to vote for a specific candidate.
- Australians vote for individual politicians and political parties rather than directly for the Prime Minister, who is chosen by the respective party.
Arms of Government
- The Australian government consists of three branches: the Judiciary, Parliament, and Executive Government, each with distinct functions and responsibilities.
Law-Making and Regulations
- Strict regulations govern the creation of laws in Australia to ensure they are sensible, consistent, and free from corruption.
- Certain topics, like religion, are exempt from legislation to maintain separation between state and faith.
Types of Laws
- Criminal Law deals with offenses against the state, e.g., murder, where actions threaten public order and safety.
- Civil Law addresses disputes between individuals, focusing on harm or damage caused, such as discrimination issues.
Criminal Liability
- Criminal liability involves two components: Actus reus (guilty act) and Mens rea (guilty mind), both necessary for conviction.
- The prosecution must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt for the accused to be found guilty.
Court System and Legal Rights
- Courtrooms consist of prosecution and defense; the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, reinforcing the presumption of innocence.
- Defendants have the right to remain silent, placing the onus on the prosecution to demonstrate guilt rather than requiring the accused to prove innocence.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of democracy and monarchy in this quiz, focusing on their definitions, roles, and differences. Additionally, learn about the Australian voting system and the importance of the constitution in governance. Test your knowledge on these fundamental political concepts!
