Democracy & Government
What is democracy, and how does it work in Australia?
Democracy is a system where people vote to elect representatives. In Australia, citizens vote for members of Parliament who make decisions on their behalf.
Name two major political parties in Australia.
Australian Labor Party and Liberal Party of Australia.
What is the difference between a rule and a law?
Rules are guidelines for specific groups (e.g., school), while laws apply to everyone and are enforced by police and courts.
What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
Criminal law deals with crimes and punishment; civil law deals with disputes between people (e.g., contracts).
Where is the Australian Parliament located, and how can citizens participate in it?
It is located in Canberra. Citizens can participate by voting, contacting MPs, or joining protests and campaigns.
What is the purpose of giving a voice to minor parties in Parliament?
To represent more diverse views and ensure a wider range of public interests are heard.
What do the sword, scales, and blindfold of Lady Justice represent?
Sword = punishment, Scales = fairness, Blindfold = impartiality.
What types of cases are heard in the Magistrates', County, and Supreme Courts?
Magistrates’: minor cases; County: serious but not extreme crimes; Supreme: most serious criminal and civil cases.
Name the main groups that make up the Australian Parliament.
The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor-General.
List two reasons for and against mandatory voting in Australia.
For: Increases participation, ensures fairness. Against: Forces uninterested people to vote, limits freedom of choice.
Explain the principle: "All people are equal before the law."
Everyone must be treated the same by the legal system, regardless of background, wealth, or status.
Define the legal terms: plaintiff, defendant, and prosecution.
Plaintiff: the person bringing a case (civil); Defendant: the accused; Prosecution: legal team charging the accused in criminal cases.