2024 Year 9 S2 Commerce Exam Revision Booklet PDF

aUSTRALIA'S Political SYSTEM **Key Terms** **Key Term** **Definition** ------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

aUSTRALIA'S Political SYSTEM **Key Terms** **Key Term** **Definition** ------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Representative democracy A political system based on citizens voting to elect representatives. Elections Processes whereby the people are able to choose their representatives and members of parliament. Candidates Members of political parties who are nominated to run for office in an election. Parliament An organisation (including the monarch's representative) that makes laws in a country, often with a lower house to draft laws and an upper house to review the proposed law. Government The party (or coalition) that has a majority of seats in the Lower House. Liberal democracy A form of government in which sovereignty is vested in the citizens. Constitutional monarchy A political in which a monarch (ie: a king or a queen) is the head of state and a parliament makes laws under the terms of a constitution. Royal assent The formal signing and approval by the governor-general (at the Commonwealth level) or governor (at State level) for a bill to become law. Australian Constitution A document that describes the rules, or laws, that govern Australia; the Constitution defines the structure of government in Australia, and also the rights of citzens. House of Representatives The lower house of the national (federal) parliament. Senate The upper house of the national (federal) parliament) Electoral divisions Geographical areas containing specified number of people who can vote in an election. Political party A group of people with similar views and ideas about how a country, state or territory should be governed. Coalition Two or more political parties that join together in an attempt to win an election and form government. Absolute majority The requirement of a candidate (or a political party) to win over half the votes to be declared the winner of the electoral division (or form the government) Prime minister The leader of the political party that forms the government. Opposition The second largest political party or coalition of parties, after the government party in the lower house of parliament which works to scrutinize and oppose government policies. Independent A member of parliament who is not associated with a political party. Bi-cameral system A parliamentary system that is split into two houses. Preferential system of voting A voting system that provides multiple counts of ballot papers to determine who has gained an absolute majority of total votes. Diversity A group or society consisting of a range of people who have different racial, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, lifestyles and life experiences. Discrimination Treating, or proposing to treat, a person or group of people unfavorably because of personal characteristics such as gender, age, race, disability, physical features or political beliefs. Separation of Powers A principle that guides the was Australia is governed; the power to govern is divided between the Executive, Legislative (parliament) and Judiciary. **activity 1: Civics and Citizenship** A. Match the following liberal democratic values with the descriptions of what they mean for Australians. B. Complete this paragraph on Australia\'s constitutional monarchy. C. Complete this paragraph about the role of independents and how government policy is shaped.  A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated D. Brainstorm ways that each of these factors can influence political policy.  Brainstorming space: **1.** -------- **2.** **3.** **4.** **5.** **6.** **7.** **8.** **9.** E. Match the factor that can influence voter behaviour to the correct definition. F. Match the different strategies used in election campaigns to the correct description.  G. Classify ways that citizens can participate in their society locally, nationally and globally. A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated H. Complete this paragraph on Australia citizenship by inserting the words at the bottom into the correct boxes. **\ ** **ACTIVITY 2: COMPARE THE HOUSES** List the similarities and differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate (i.e. their composition, size, function, purpose). **House of Representatives** **Similarities** **Senate** ------------------------------ ------------------ ------------ **ACTIVITY 3: RIGHT-WING LEFT-WING** Distinguish the major values and beliefs of right-wing and left-wing political parties. **Left-wing** **Right-wing** --------------- ---------------- **\ ** **ACTIVITY 4: POLITICAL PARTY CORE BELIEFS** Compare and contrast the core beliefs of the Liberal and Nationals coalition, Labor Party and Greens Party. A diagram of different colored circles Description automatically generated **ACTIVITY 5: THE MEDIA** List 3 types of media that politicians use and explain how they can influence different demographics of voters. 1. 2. 3. **\ ** **Activity 6: SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNING** Below are a list of advantages and disadvantages of using social media in election campaigns. Complete the table by explaining the effect on these advantages or disadvantages on voters and the election. **Advantages** **Effect on election** **Disadvantages** **Effect on election** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ Increased engagement and understanding of issues by younger voters Voters may get information overload and feel overwhelmed Greater personal interaction between politicians and voters Bullying and discrimination often occur because social media can be used anonymously Candidates have many different channels to get their message across Anyone can have an influence on voters' beliefs, perspectives and voting behaviour Voters have access to instant information on political issues Social media sources are not necessarily reputable or accurate Competition with traditional media outlets that challenge media bias reporting and avoiding a monopoly on political reporting Politicians might express personal views that are not supported by their party Politicians can easily determine how voters are feeling about a particular issue or policy Comments on social media may not always reflect how people will vote Voters are encouraged to be more actively involved in politics **\ ** **Activity 7: POLITICAL PERSUASION** Politicians use a range of methods of persuasion to win electoral votes. Brainstorm the which methods are most commonly used by Australia's major political parties, consider how these methods might be used to persuade voters. aUSTRALIA'S lEGAL SYSTEM **Key Terms** Match the key term with its corresponding definition. **Key Term** **Definition** -------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rule Regulation or guideline imposed upon members of a specific group so they can work together in a peaceful manner. Law Formal rule designed to govern the way in which people behave so we can all live together in one peaceful and united society. Policy A statement of principles to guide action for the future. Statute Law made by parliament (also called legislation or Acts of Parliament). Common Law Unwritten laws that are based on legal precedents made by the courts. Civil Case A legal dispute between individuals (or groups) over an alleged breach of individual rights. Criminal Case A legal dispute in which an individual who is accused of committing an illegal act that inflicts harm on another individual and/ or society. Is taken to court (prosecuted) by the government. Original Jurisdiction The power of a court to hear a case for the first time. Appellate Jurisdiction The power of a court to hear a case on appeal. Aggravating Factor Details about the offence and the offender that tend to increase their culpability and the sentence they receive. For example, planning the crime ahead of time (pre-meditation) or use of a weapon. Mitigating Factor Details about the offender and their offence that tend to reduce the severity of their sentence. For example, remorse or previous good character. Fairness The principle of having fair processes and a fair hearing. This means that the parties in a legal case should have an opportunity to know the facts of the case and can present their side of events, and the pre-hearing and hearing process should be fair and impartial. Equality The principle that people should be equal before the law and have equal opportunity to present their case as anyone else, without advantage or disadvantage. This doesn't mean all people are treated the same but to provide people who maybe in a disadvantage position with additional help or assistance to ensure they are treated equally. Access Access means that all people should be able to understand their legal rights and pursue their case. Burden of Proof The obligation (responsibility) of a party to prove a case, this usually rests with the party who initiates the action. Standard of Proof The degree or extent to which a case must be proved in court. Presumption of Innocence The right of a person accused of committing a crime to be presumed and reasonably treated as not guilty unless proven otherwise. Jury An independent group of people chosen at random to decide on evidence in a legal case and reach a decision (verdict). Magistrate The person who presides over proceedings in Lower Courts, particularly the Magistrates' Court. Judge The person who presides over proceedings in Higher Courts, particularly the County Court and Supreme Court. **Activity 1: Criminal and Civil Law** -- -- A. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law. -- -- B. Use a Venn diagram to illustrate the similarities and differences between the processes used in Criminal trials and Civil trials. C. Explain the roles of a judge and juries in a Criminal Case. -- -- **\ ** **Activity 2: Jurisdictions of the courts** Complete the table below. **Victorian Court** **Original Jurisdiction** **Appellate Jurisdiction** --------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------- -- Magistrates Court Criminal Civil County Court Criminal Civil Supreme Court (Trial Division) Criminal Civil Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) Criminal Civil **\ ** **Activity 3: System of Law** A. Explain the difference between a rule and a law: -- -- B. Discuss why it is important that we have rules and laws in Australia. -- -- C. In the table below distinguish between Statute Law and Common Law. **Statute Law** **Common Law** ----------------- ---------------- D. Explain why there is a need for a system of common law. -- -- Fill in the table below: Definition Who Makes? who enforces? ------ ------------ ------------ --------------- Rule Law **\ ** **OUTLINE THREE REASONS WE HAVE LAWS?** 1. ---- -- 2. 3. **STATUTORY AUTHORITIES:** Using an example, explain the role of statutory authorities and how the can assist in creating social cohesion: -- -- **Complete this paragraph by circling the correct answer.** All **criminal/civil **cases heard in the County Court and Supreme Court (Trial Division) where the accused pleads **guilty/not guilty** are heard before a **judge/magistrate** and jury. The jury is composed of **12/6** randomly selected **lawyers/citizens,** and determines the verdict, while the **judge/magistrate** determines the sanction to be imposed upon the accused if they are found **not guilty/guilty.** If the accused pleads **not guilty/guilty,** there is no need for a jury, and the judge listens to the facts of the case and determines the **sanction/remedy** to be imposed. **Complete the diagram below:** **\ ** -- -- A. Outline two reasons why there is a hierarchy of courts. -- -- B. Explain why precedents are important in the system of common law. -- -- In the table below: Explain the three principles of justice and provide an example of how they could be fulfilled in the Justice System. **Principle of Justice** **Explaination** **Example** -------------------------- ------------------ ------------- Outline three reasons why people who experience disadvantage may struggle to access the justice system. -- -- Brainstorm examples of the principles of justice in action in the justice system: **Activity 3: Sentencing in criminal law** Fill I the table below: **Definition** **Examples** ------------------------- ---------------- -------------- **Mitigating factors** **Aggrevating Factors** Fill in the table below: Explain the three possible sanctions in Criminal Law 1. ---- -- 2. 3. Fill in the table below: Explain the two possible remedies in Civil Law 1. ---- -- 2. **\ ** **Activity 4: No.1 MINI Case Study** Source: Legal Studies for VCE Units 1 & 2 Oxford Textbook, p. 58 1. Identify the two parties involved. -- -- 2. Is this a civil or criminal case? Justify your answer with reference to at least two pieces of evidence from the case study. -- -- 3. Would a jury have been required in this case? Justify your answer with reference to the case study. -- -- 4. Who has the burden of proof in this case? Justify your answer with reference to the case study. -- -- 5. What would the standard of proof be in this case? Justify your answer with reference to the case study. -- -- **Activity 5: No.2 MINI Case Study** Source: Legal Studies for VCE Units 1 & 2 Oxford Textbook, p. 95 1. Identify the two parties involved. -- -- 2. Is this a civil or criminal case? Justify your answer with reference to at least two pieces of evidence from the case study. -- -- 3. Who has the burden of proof in this case? Justify your answer with reference to the case study. -- -- 4. What would the standard of proof be in this case? Justify your answer with reference to the case study. -- -- 5. Has Evelyn been charged with a summary offence or an indictable offence? In your answer, explain a difference between summary offences and indictable offences. -- -- **\ ** **Activity 6: No.3 MINI Case Study** Source: Legal Studies for VCE Units 1 & 2 Oxford Textbook, p. 62 1. Identify the two parties involved. -- -- 2. Is this a civil or criminal case? Justify your answer with reference to at least two pieces of evidence from the case study. -- -- 3. Would a Judge or Magistrate preside over this case? -- -- 4. Who has the burden of proof in this case? -- -- **Activity 7: Major Case Study** Step 1: Annotate the case study: **James Gargasoulas Found Guilty On Six Counts Of Murder In Bourke Street Massacre** James Gargasoulas, who went on a rampage through Melbourne's Bourke Street and mowed down pedestrians, has been found guilty of murdering six people and endangering the life of 27 others. A Supreme Court jury took just over an hour to find the 28-year-old, who admitted killing six people in a Bourke Street rampage on 20 January last year, guilty of all charges. Despite admitting his actions driving through the busy pedestrian mall and along footpaths caused death and injury, he pleaded not guilty to six charges of murder and 27 of reckless conduct endangering life. "Today, the jury formally recognised that on 20 January 2017, James Gargasoulas murdered six innocent people and recklessly endangered the lives of 27 others," according to a statement from lawyer Genna Angelowitsch, who represents the families of five victims. "His callous actions on that day shattered the lives of the family and friends whose loved ones he stole. "The families of the victims are grateful to all those whose hard work secured today's outcome, and for the ongoing support they have received during this difficult time." On Tuesday, barrister Theo Alexander delivered a short closing address to the jury, saying the defence was not challenging the prosecution case. Justice Mark Weinberg told jurors they must accept Gargasoulas' admissions as established facts. He explained that although Gargasoulas was suffering from mental health issues, he had not used mental impairment as a defence. He added that because Gargasoulas' psychosis and delusions at the time of the rampage were drug- induced, he could not argue he was not guilty by way of mental impairment. James Gargasoluas' was later sentenced to life in prison for killing six people and injuring 27 others. Justice Mark Weinberg set a non-parole period of 46 years for what he described as a \"callous and cowardly act\", after sentencing Gargasoulas to six life terms for murder. Prosecutors had argued for a life sentence without any prospect of release, but the judge said he had considered factors including Gargasoulas\'s mental health in determining his eligibility for parole. You knew full well what you were doing,\" Justice Weinberg said. \"You knew that, by your actions, you were likely to kill or seriously injure those who happened to be in your path.\" Justice Weinberg described Gargasoulas as a \"persistent law-breaker\", with a criminal history that included acts of dishonesty and violence dating back to 2008. He also noted that Gargasoulas had five children to three different women, but was \"effectively homeless\" and sleeping in his car at the time of the rampage. In sentencing, Justice Weinberg described the attack as \"one of the worst examples of mass murder in Australian history\". **Source:** https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/13/james-gargasoulas-found-guilty-on-six- counts-of-in-bourke-street-massacre Using the case study above, answer the following questions: No. Question Evidence ----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- 1 Is this a criminal or civil case? How do we know this? 2 Who are the parties to this case? Names/titles? 3 Which court would this case be heard in? Why? 4 Was a Jury used? If so can we infer how many jury members? 5 Is there any key information that might lead to Mr Gargasoulas' getting a harsher sentence (aggravating factors) 6 Is any key information that might lead to Mr Gargasoulas' getting a lesser sentence (mitigating factors) 7A Can we see any evidence that the principles of Fairness, Equality and Access were achieved in this case? Fairness: 7B Equality: 7C Access: **\ ** **Practice Legal Studies Case Study No.1** Answers: