16 Questions
What is the primary purpose of electing representatives to state and federal parliaments?
To make laws and take decisions on behalf of the citizens
What is the significance of universal suffrage in Australia's electoral system?
It gives citizens over 18 years old the right to vote
What is the purpose of a secret ballot in Australia's electoral system?
To allow voters to keep their vote private
What is the consequence of not voting in Australia's electoral system?
Voters may be fined for not voting
How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
151
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
What is the minimum number of parties that a voter must number when voting above the line in the Senate?
6
What is the minimum number of Senate candidates that a voter must number when voting below the line?
12
What is the primary purpose of a preferential voting system?
To allow voters to express their true preferences and facilitate a more representative outcome
What is the key difference between a single-member electorate and a multi-member electorate?
The number of representatives elected in each electorate
What is the consequence of a hung parliament?
The government must rely on minority parties to gain a majority
What is the primary challenge of a minority government?
Pleasing multiple parties and independents to pass bills
What is the primary purpose of a court hierarchy?
To ensure that just outcomes are achieved through a system of review
What is the primary role of the lower courts in the Australian court system?
To hear routine and minor cases
What is the primary influence on voters at election time?
The political advertising and campaign strategies
What is the primary consequence of a minority government for the leading political party?
It is harder to pass bills
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
Understanding the key principles of the Australian electoral system, including universal suffrage and fair representation in parliament.
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