Law and Politics Revision

Law

100

Define Statute Law

A Law enacted by a legislative body - ie parliament

200

Describe the difference between Civil law and Criminal Law

Civil law is between two people, eg negligence - criminal law is between a person and the state eg manslaughter

300

Draw the court heirarchy is Australia

High Supreme District Magistrate

400

Define Rule of Law and provide all characteristics characteristics

All persons and organisations, including the government, are subject to and accountable to the law The law is clear, known and enforced The Court system is independent and resolves disputes in a fair and public manner All people are equal under the law All persons are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a Court No person shall be arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned or deprived of their property Punishment must be determined by a Court and be proportionate to the offence

500

Why is it necessary to have a court hierarchy?

For both efficiency within the system and also to allow for the appeal process

Parliament

100

How many seats in the House of Representatives

150

200

How many seats are in the Senate?

76

300

Define Hung Parliament and describe how a government can form after a hung parliament

A hung parliament is when no political party holds an absolute majority. A party must join with independents and or minor parties to form government

400

Define a minority and majority government and provide examples of each

Majority : The political party that has won a majority (50%+1) of seats in the House of Representatives becomes the government. This means a political party needs to win at least 76 seats to form government. eg Current Liberal Minority: This occurs when no political party wins a majority of seats (76+) in the House of Representatives. For a political party to form a minority government, it must agree to a partnership with other representatives in the House of Representatives from outside their political party. 2010 Labor government

500

To the best of your knowledge - describe the outcome of the 2010 election which resulted in a hung parliament

The federal election that took place in 2010 resulted in the formation of a minority government. The 150 seats in the House were won by the following political parties and independents: Liberal / National Coalition – 72 seats Australian Labor Party – 72 seats Australian Greens – 1 seat The Nationals WA – 1 seat Independents – 4 seats

Campaign Strategies

100

Name on add by either Labor or Liberal during the 2013 election campaign

New Way, New Hope, a ruddy mess, if he wins you lose

200

Who won the 2010 and 2013 election.

2010 hung parliament - labor gained majority 2013 liberal - absolute majority

300

What are the different types of TV adds and Print adds and use examples

smear - ruddy mess, bandwagon - new way, personality, positive - new hope, negative

400

Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using social media during campaigns to influence voters

+ - can reach large amounts of people, can be seen as real, can connect with all ages and demographics, is current and 'hip', in real time, reaches large audience quickly - - anyone can respond to tweets/posts, can incite haters and trolls, bad news and poor publicity spreads quickly

500

List 8 strategies that political parties can use to influence voters during an election campaign

TV, print, Door knocking, letter box, how to vote cards, social media, public debates, face to face interactions

Definitions

100

Define Sanction and give an example

A sanction is a consequence of a law being broken - usually in the form of monetary compensation ie; speeding fine

200

Define Indpendent and given an example of a current independent

A parliamentarian not aligned to any particular political party ie Andrew Wilke (Tasmania)

300

Define Balance of Power

In parliamentary politics, the term balance of power sometimes informally describes the ability exercised by a minor political party or other grouping whose guaranteed support may enable an otherwise minority government to obtain and hold office.

400

Define coalition and explain how it is in place in Australia

In Australian politics, the Coalition is a formal alliance of broadly centre-right parties, which has existed in various forms since 1923. The partners in the alliance are the Liberal Party (LPA), the National Party (formerly the Country Party and the National Country Party), the Country Liberal Party (CLP), and the Liberal National Party (LNP). When in government at the federal level, the Liberal Party leader usually serves as Prime Minister of Australia and the National Party leader as Deputy Prime Minister, as is currently the case with Malcolm Turnbull and Warren Truss, respectively.

500

Define the doctrine of precedent and provide one example

Doctrine of precedent It is important that the law is consistent. For that reason, common law is based on the doctrine of precedent. That is, Judges make decisions based on earlier similar cases. This interpretation of the law will remain valid unless it is overruled by a higher Court or by an Act of parliament. Donahue vs stephenson - the snail in the ginger beer case

Potpurri

100

When was the labor party and liberal party formed?

Liberal 1944 Labor 1890s

200

Who is The leader of the Opposition Party, the leader of the government

Bill Shorten and Malculm Turnball

300

Explain in detail how it is possible that Malculm Turnball became Prime Minister this week

a ballot was called to challenge for the leader of the Liberal party - the liberal party holds an absolute majority in the HOR and therefore holds gov - the leader of that party is the Prime Minister

400

What are the requirements of somebody to vote?

It is compulsory by law for all eligible Australian citizens to enrol and vote in federal elections, by-elections and referendums. You are eligible to enrol if you: are an Australian citizen, or eligible British subject, aged 18 years and over, and have lived at your address for at least one month.

500

With examples - describe the different jurisdictions of the magistrates, supreme and high court in Australia.

Magistrates Court Lowest level No jury Magistrates (legal practitioner with many years experience) makes decisions on cases Criminal – Driving offences such as speeding, DUI, petty theft Civil – claims up to $25 000 (small claims tribunal up to $6 000) Supreme Court - Highest court in WA Most serious of criminal offences – murder, assault with a weapon, armed robbery Most expensive civil cases – over $250 000 Highest court of appeal in WA Highest court in WA Most serious of criminal offences – murder, assault with a weapon, armed robbery Most expensive civil cases – over $250 000 Highest court of appeal in WA The High Court serves the Commonwealth and has jurisdiction over all matters. It deals mainly with constitutional issues and disputes between the States. It is the highest Court in Australia and can deal with appeals from the Federal Court and the Supreme Courts of the States and Territories.