Democratic Values
What is meant by 'democratic values'?
The beliefs and ideals that are held by our society as a democracy.
Who represents the monarch at the federal level in Australia, and who the current person in this role?
The Governor-General (Ms. Sam Mostyn)
What was the date that the Australian Constitution came into effect?
1 January 1901
Explain the concept of 'separation of powers'.
The principle that no single group or body within parliament, the government or the courts have power over both the political and legal system. Governments must not abuse or make laws beyond their power.
How many Justices are on the High Court (in total) (50). Who is the current Chief Justice? (50)
7 Justices - Chief Justice: Stephen Gageler
There are four key democratic values. What are they?
Hint: they start with R, E, F and F.
Respect, Equality, Fairness and Freedom.
Define 'bicameral' and apply it to Australia's federal legislative body.
Bicameral - "2 houses". There are 2 houses of parliament in Australia's Commonwealth Government: The House of Representatives (lower house) and The Senate (upper house).
True or False: The Aust. Constitution allows the High Court to change irrelevant sections of the Constitution (100). The Aust. Constitution sets out the structure of the Commonwealth Government (100).
False - High Court can't change the Constitution. True - does set out bicameral structure of Comm. Government.
Identify the three branches of government, and their role/powers.
Legislature (power to make laws); Executive (power to administer the law), Judiciary (power to apply/interpret the law).
True or False. The High Court is the only court with the power to interpret the Constitution. (100). The High Court has the power to change the Constitution (100).
True - only court to interpret Const.
False - cannot change Const.
Explain what is meant by 'representative democracy'. How does it differ from 'direct democracy'.
Representative democracy -Citizens vote for representatives to make laws on their behalf in parliament. Direct democracy - citizens meet together and all are involved in making laws for their society.
Identify three areas that the federal government is responsible for in Australia?
Examples: Defence, Immigration, Currency, Postal Services, Trade, Income Tax.
What was/is the purpose of the Australian Constitution?
It unified Australian colonies to become states and Australia as a Commonwealth. Divided powers between States and Commonwealth. Acts as Australia's guidebook.
What is meant by the term 'cabinet' in Australia's parliament
Senior members of parliament appointed by the Prime Minister to have responsibility for specific portfolios (eg. Minister for Health; Education)
Explain what is meant by an appeal.
The request to a higher court to review the decision or trial process of a lower court.
Identify 3 rights and 3 responsibilities held by Australian citizens.
Rights - to vote, a trial by jury, freedom of religion, protection against discrimination. (and more). Responsibilities - to vote in elections, do jury duty, pay taxes, obey the law, respect others without discrimination.
Australia is a '___' monarchy. Explain what this means.
'Constitutional'monarchy - a system of government where a king or queen is the head of state of a government organised under a constitution. They have limited power and must follow the country's constitution and laws from the elected government.
What is a referendum, and how can it be passed?
A process to change the Constitution. A majority of voters in a majority of states must vote YES to a change to the Constitution.
Identify members of the Executive at the federal level. (Who is involved in this branch of government?)
Governor-General as King's representative; Prime Minister; Senior ministers (cabinet); Government Departments.
Identify in order (from lowest to highest ) Australia's court hierarchy.
WA State courts: Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court. High Court of Australia is highest ranking over all of these.
Explain the democratic value of Fairness, and include three ways that this concept is priortised in the justice system.
Fairness - all people are treated fairly, or without injustice. they are given equal opporunity within society. EXAMPLES: The Rule of Law outlines that no one is above the law, right to a fair trial, right to legal representation, right to an impartial decision maker.
Explain the concept of 'responsible government', and identify 2 ways that this occurs in Australia.
Responsible government - the Government must be accountable or answerable to the Australian people, and be able to justify their actions and decisions to voters. Eg. parliamentary debate about issues; Question Time; members of public contacting their local members,
Identify 3 areas the Commonwealth parliament has the power to make laws about, and 3 reserved for the States.
Cth: defence, currency, postal services, international matters, immigration, trade. State: hospitals, roads, education, public transport, water, state law enforcement.
Identify and explain 2 overlaps in the principle of the Separation of Powers that make it less independent.
Overlaps in people involved in different branches of government (eg. PM and Gov-Gen in Legislative and Executive); PM can recommend justices of the High Court to the Gov-Gen.
Identify 3 roles of the High Court of Australia.
Interprets the Constitution; Keeps the Constitution relevant; Acts as an independent and impartial umpire in Commonwealth and State disputes; protects the rights of the Australian people.