Democracy
What is a democracy?
A system of government where people have a say in decisions - power is given to people.
What is a citizen?
A person who legally belongs to a country.
How many levels of government does Australia have and name them?
three- local, state and federal.
What is a bill?
A proposed law/ an idea for a new or amended law.
Name the three branches in Australia’s separation of powers.
Executive, Parliament, or Judiciary.
What is one key value that a democracy relies on?
Fairness, equality, freedom, or representation (any one).
Name one responsibility of an Australian citizen.
Obey laws, vote (when 18), serve on a jury, or respect others.
Which level of government handles local roads and rubbish collection?
local
Which two houses of parliament must agree to pass a bill?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the main role of the judiciary?
To interpret laws and make legal decisions (judge the law).
Why do we have elections in a democracy?
To choose representatives and allow citizens to have a voice.
Why is following the law an important responsibility of a citizen?
Laws keep people safe and help society run smoothly.
What do you call the leader of each level of government?
Mayor - local
Premier - state
Prime Minister - federal
What is the purpose of debating a bill?
To discuss, question, and improve it.
What is the role of the parliament?
They make the laws.
How does having representatives in parliament help make democracy work?
Representatives speak and make decisions on behalf of the people.
How can young people participate as active citizens even if they can’t vote?
By volunteering, raising awareness, joining groups, or writing to leaders.
Name three services provided by the state government.
public schools, hospitals, police, public transport, main roads, justice, public housing, and environmental protection, electricity, agriculture.
How does the process of passing a bill prevent unfair laws?
Multiple debates, voting, and committee input by both houses helps to catch unfair ideas.
The executive enforces the law, eg the police carry out the law and government departments like the health department checks hospitals etc.
How did the Magna Carta influence democracy?
It began making everyone equal under the law, including the king, introducing the right to a fair trial, protecting individual freedoms, and stopping leaders from taking too much tax.
Explain how rights and responsibilities work together to support a fair society.
Rights give people freedom, and responsibilities make sure that people don’t harm others.
Why is it important for the three levels of government to have different responsibilities?
It shares the workload and prevents any level from having too much power.
A Governor General who represents the British monarchy will sign the bill and it now becomes a law. This is called a Royal Assent.
How does the separation of powers stop any one group from having too much control?
Each branch has different powers and can check the others, for example:
Judiciary checks the Executive by making sure government actions follow the law.
Parliament checks the Judiciary by updating laws if needed.
Executive checks Parliament by deciding how to carry out the new laws.