Freedoms in Democracy
What freedom allows Australians to express their opinions publicly?
Freedom of Speech.
What is the process called where citizens vote for their government representatives?
The electoral system (voting).
What is a common representation of Australian identity in popular culture?
The laid-back, outdoor lifestyle.
What is the term for laws made by the parliament?
Statutory law.
What are the two main types of law in Australia?
Civil law and criminal law.
Name the freedom that allows Australians to join or form groups, such as clubs or political parties.
Freedom of Association.
What is one way Australians can participate in democracy directly with government officials?
Contacting elected representatives.
Which day is often seen as a symbol of Australian national identity but is controversial to many Aboriginal people?
Australia Day.
Who is the final authority that must give royal assent before a bill becomes a law in Australia?
The Governor-General.
Which type of law deals with disputes between individuals?
Civil law.
Which freedom protects the right to practice any religion or no religion at all?
Freedom of Religion.
Name an organized group that tries to influence government decisions
Lobby group.
Name one perspective of national identity from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal identity is deeply connected to the land and cultural traditions.
What is the role of the courts in making laws?
Courts can make common law through judicial decisions.
What type of law deals with offenses such as theft or assault?
Criminal law.
What freedom allows Australians to move freely within their country and abroad?
Freedom of Movement.
What is the term for civil disobedience, such as protests, to demand political change?
Direct action
How does the media influence Australian identity?
It shapes public perception through representations in TV, film, and news.
Name a participant in the legislative process besides members of parliament.
Lobby groups or members of the public.
What is one example of Aboriginal customary law still being recognized today?
Certain aspects of customary law can be considered in sentencing for Aboriginal offenders.
How does freedom of assembly support democracy in Australia?
It allows people to gather and protest or demonstrate peacefully, which influences political decisions.
Compare the effectiveness of voting versus joining a lobby group in participating in democracy.
Voting allows individuals to influence elections, while lobby groups can influence policies between elections by applying consistent pressure on lawmakers.
Explain how different perspectives on what it means to be Australian can lead to national debates.
Differing views, such as those between multiculturalism and traditional Anglo-Australian identity, can cause debates over immigration, national symbols, and holidays.
How can a bill become a law if it doesn’t initially pass the parliament?
It can be amended and reintroduced, or it may pass through negotiation and compromise.
Explain how customary law differs from statutory and common law in Australia.
Customary law is based on traditions and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whereas statutory law is created by parliament and common law is developed through judicial decisions.