Governments
Constitution and the High Court
Safeguards to Australia's democracy
Threats to Australia's democracy
100

Identify three forms of government 

- democracy 

- dictatorship

- theocracy 

- autocracy 

- constitutional monarchy 

- absolute monarchy 

100

What is the Australian Constitution? 

A set of rules that establishes the nature, functions and limits of the government 

100

What does it mean to have a 'safeguard' to democracy 

We have values, laws and processes in place that protect and help Australia's democracy to function efficiently

100

What is the difference between left wing and right wing? 

left means they are progressive

right means they are more conservative 

200

Identify Australia's form of government 

Democracy 

200

Name 2 features/roles of the Australian Constitution 

  • it establishes the Commonwealth Parliament and how the House of Representatives and the Senate should be composed

  • it establishes the High Court of Australia

  • it sets out matters relating to the states

  • it facilitates the division of law-making powers

  • it provides a way to change the Australian Constitution – a referendum

200

" a system of separate branches of government that ensures political power is not concentrated in the hands of a single branch"


What safeguard is this defining? 

Checks and Balances 

200

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation 

Misinformation: False information that spreads, regardless of its intent.


Disinformation: Information spread to intentionally deceive, misguide or influence public opinion. 

300

Identify the 4 features of Australia's system of government 

- separation of powers

- federation of states 

- representative government 

- constitutional monarchy 

300

What are the requirements in order to change the words of the Constitution? 

In order to change the words of the Constitution:

  • parliament must approve the change

  • the people must approve the change through a referendum. this requires a double majority of voters 

  • The Governor-General must approve.

300

Define rule of law 

no one is above the law, including government leaders

300

Identify one problem with misinformation to a democracy 

  • It discourages the best course of action for voters if they are being misinformed about what they are voting for.

  • It can distort perceptions of political opponents

  • It decreases the ability of voters to actually vote in what is their best interest

  • It can decrease voter participation if voters begin to distrust the process and what they are reading/hearing- people become apathetic to the issues and stop trying to learn about the policies being presented. “Donkey” votes can increase as a result. 

  • It can increase hostility to people with opposing views and can enhance extremism.

400

There are 4 key ideas that underpin Australia's democracy. What are the missing 2?


1. Active and engaged citizens 

2. An inclusive and equitable society 

- Free and fair elections 

- The rule of law for both citizens and the government 

400
Identify which court has the power to interpret the words of the Constitution

The High Court of Australia 

400

Name 2 other essential elements that act as a safeguard to democracy 

checks and balances

civic participation

economic freedom

education

equality

free and fair elections

freedom

free press

independent judiciary

limited government

minimal corruption

rule of law

transparency

400

How can algorithms impact people's opinions? 

up to teacher :) 

500

Explain what representative democracy means 

Representative democracy means that citizens choose and vote for who they want to be in the government. Those elected will make decisions for us 

500

Name 2 ways the High Court interacts with the Constitution 

  • Interpreting the constitution 

  • Keeping the constitution relevant 

  • Acting as “umpire” 

  • Protecting the rights of the Australian people 

  • Resolving disputes 

500

Justify how 'freedom of speech' can act safeguard or why it is essential for democracy 

Up to the teacher :) 

500

Explain a negative way social media can impact democracy

Up to the teacher :) 

M
e
n
u