Questions and Answers
What is a feature of democracy?
A referendum is a process where citizens vote to change the constitution.
True
What is the role of Parliament?
Represent the people of Australia, make and propose laws, and scrutinise the actions of the Government.
The system of making laws using 2 houses of Parliament is called a ______ Parliament.
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An ______ is a political system where no one is in charge.
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Which of the following is NOT a type of government?
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What is the Judiciary responsible for?
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Match the following roles to their descriptions:
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An oligarchy is a system where power is held by a small group of leaders.
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Which of the following is a pro of democracy?
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What is the main cons of democracy?
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Study Notes
Elements of Democratic Freedom
- Freedom to act, speak, and think freely, provided it does not infringe on others' rights.
- Equality before the law, ensuring the right to a fair trial for all individuals.
- The community must be safe and secure to foster democratic values.
- A government must be efficient, transparent, responsive, and accountable to its citizens.
- Citizens have the power to hold elected representatives accountable for their actions.
- Freedom of belief regardless of religion, gender, race, language, sexuality, and ethnicity.
- Right to access education, promoting informed citizenship.
Key Definitions
- Democracy: A system where citizens govern themselves directly or through elected representatives.
- Referendum: A voting process to change the constitution.
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making and voting.
- Representative Democracy: Politicians are elected to make decisions on behalf of citizens.
- Separation of Powers: Divides government responsibilities among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to prevent abuse of power.
- Parliament: Responsible for making and voting on laws (Legislative branch).
- Government: Implements and enforces laws (Executive branch).
- Courts: Interpret and apply laws (Judicial branch).
Role of Parliament and Government
- Parliament represents the people, making and proposing laws while scrutinizing government actions.
- Government is responsible for developing national policy, making decisions, and applying laws.
- Parliament is where the government is formed and its actions are held to account.
Types of Parliaments
- Bicameral Parliament: Two houses of parliament are involved in law-making.
- Unicameral Parliament: Law-making occurs in a single house.
Other Government Forms
- Anarchy: Absence of governing authority.
- Monarchy: Leadership is inherited.
- Dictatorship: Power is seized without legal authority.
- Oligarchy: Governance by a small group of leaders.
- Democracy: Citizens choose their rulers.
Government Structure
- Executive: Executes laws; led by the Prime Minister.
- Legislature: Creates and votes on laws (includes the Governor-General, Senate, and House of Representatives).
- Judiciary: Interprets the law (High Court of Australia, Federal Courts).
Specific Roles
- Governor General: Represents the monarchy and ensures laws align with the Constitution.
- Senate: Comprises 76 Senators; reviews legislation, proposing laws, and overseeing government actions.
- House of Representatives: Elected by citizens; main function is to represent public interest in legislative decisions.
Pros and Cons of Democracy
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Pros:
- Fosters citizen engagement and participation.
- Respects individual freedoms and public wishes.
- Promotes human rights and accountability in governance.
- Prevents authoritarianism by allowing majority rule.
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Cons:
- Decision-making can be slow.
- Elections incur significant costs.
- Potential for political confusion or instability.
- Minority views may be excluded.
- Dependence on popularity rather than meritocracy.
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Description
Explore the key principles and concepts that define democratic freedom. This quiz covers fundamental rights, the role of citizens in democracy, and essential definitions such as democracy, referendum, and direct democracy. Test your understanding of the core elements that uphold democratic values.
