Governments
Identify three forms of government
- democracy
- dictatorship
- theocracy
- autocracy
- constitutional monarchy
- absolute monarchy
What is the Australian Constitution?
A set of rules that establishes the nature, functions and limits of the government
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
What is the difference between left wing and right wing?
left means they are progressive
right means they are more conservative
Identify Australia's form of government
Democracy
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
" 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
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.
Identify the 4 features of Australia's system of government
- separation of powers
- federation of states
- representative government
- constitutional monarchy
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.
Define rule of law
no one is above the law, including government leaders
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.
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
The High Court of Australia
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
How can algorithms impact people's opinions?
up to teacher :)
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
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
Justify how 'freedom of speech' can act safeguard or why it is essential for democracy
Up to the teacher :)
Explain a negative way social media can impact democracy
Up to the teacher :)