HASS Revision: Australian Electoral System

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of electing representatives to state and federal parliaments?

To ensure the representation of politicians' wishes

To create a system of governance for the country

To make laws and take decisions on behalf of the citizens (correct)

To provide citizens with a platform to voice their opinions

What is the significance of universal suffrage in Australia's electoral system?

It restricts voting to citizens of a particular ethnicity

It allows citizens under 18 years old to vote

It ensures that only citizens with a certain income level can vote

It gives citizens over 18 years old the right to vote (correct)

What is the purpose of a secret ballot in Australia's electoral system?

To allow voters to keep their vote private (correct)

To facilitate the counting of votes

To enable voters to change their vote after casting it

To ensure that voters can discuss their vote with others

What is the consequence of not voting in Australia's electoral system?

Voters may be fined for not voting Signup and view all the answers

How many members are there in the House of Representatives?

151 Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate in terms of representation?

The House of Representatives represents a smaller electorate, while the Senate represents the entire state Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of parties that a voter must number when voting above the line in the Senate?

6 Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of Senate candidates that a voter must number when voting below the line?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a preferential voting system?

To allow voters to express their true preferences and facilitate a more representative outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a single-member electorate and a multi-member electorate?

The number of representatives elected in each electorate Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a hung parliament?

The government must rely on minority parties to gain a majority Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge of a minority government?

Pleasing multiple parties and independents to pass bills Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a court hierarchy?

To ensure that just outcomes are achieved through a system of review Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the lower courts in the Australian court system?

To hear routine and minor cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence on voters at election time?

The political advertising and campaign strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a minority government for the leading political party?

It is harder to pass bills Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Australian Electoral System

Based on key principles: universal suffrage, secret ballot, compulsory voting, fixed or maximum terms for parliament, one vote, one value, and combinations of single-member and multi-member electorates
Ensures a true representation of voters' wishes in parliament

Electoral System Principles

Universal suffrage: all citizens over 18 years old have the right to vote
Secret ballot: allows every voter to keep their vote private
Compulsory voting: all citizens over 18 years old have a responsibility to vote
Fixed or maximum terms for parliament: ensures stability and accountability
One vote, one value: every vote counts for one vote

Types of Electorates

Single-member electorate: one representative for a smaller electorate (e.g. House of Representatives)
Multi-member electorate: multiple representatives for a larger electorate (e.g. Senate)

Voting Systems

Preferential voting: voters rank candidates in order of preference
Proportional representation: voters can vote above the line (accepting party preferences) or below the line (ranking individual candidates)

House of Representatives Elections

Voters must place a number in every square on the ballot paper
Preferential voting system used

Senate Elections

Voters can vote above the line (accepting party preferences) or below the line (ranking individual candidates)
Proportional representation system used

Other Electoral Concepts

Hung parliament: when both oppositions have equal amounts of seats and must rely on minority parties to gain a majority
Minority government: when the government's political party has less seats than the opposition but relies on smaller parties and independent seats to win government

Influences on Voters

Politicians use various tactics (e.g. flyers, ads, social media) to influence voters at election time

Australian Court System

Hierarchical system with lower courts and higher courts
Lower courts: hear less serious cases and appeals from lower courts
Higher courts: hear more serious cases and appeals from lower courts
Appeals system ensures just outcomes and application of the law

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Description

Understanding the key principles of the Australian electoral system, including universal suffrage and fair representation in parliament.