politics and legal exam

What is a political ideology?

A set of beliefs and values about how society and government should operate.

What is fascism?

An authoritarian ideology with strong central power, limited freedoms, and strict control over society.

What is socialism?

An ideology that supports equality and government control of key services and industries.

What is democracy?

A system where citizens choose their leaders through voting.

What is liberal democracy?

A democracy that protects individual rights and freedoms.

What is representative democracy?

A system where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

What is authoritarianism?

A system where one ruler or group has most of the power and limits freedoms.

What is Australia’s political ideology?

Australia is mainly a liberal democracy with elements of socialism and capitalism.

What is the political spectrum/compass?

A way of showing political beliefs from left to right and authoritarian to democratic.

What is Australia’s parliament system?

The system that makes laws in Australia, made up of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the Crown.

What is the House of Representatives?

the House of Representatives is the "lower house" of the Australian Federal Parliament, where the nation's government is formed. It consists of 150 members, each directly elected by the public to represent a specific local area

What is the Senate?

The Australian Senate is the "Upper House" of the Federal Parliament. It shares the power to make and change national laws with the House of Representatives. Its main job is to act as a 'house of review' to check, debate, and improve proposed laws.

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A system where a monarch is head of state but powers are limited by a constitution.

What is preferential voting?

A voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference.

What is separation of powers?

The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

What are the 3 branches of government?

Legislative (makes laws), Executive (runs laws), Judicial (interprets laws).

What is the judiciary?

The courts and judges responsible for interpreting laws.

What is foreign aid?

Help given to other countries through money, resources, or services.

What is bilateral aid?

Aid given directly from one country to another.

What is multilateral aid?

Aid given through international organisations like the UN.

What is non-government aid?

Aid provided by charities or NGOs rather than governments.

What is social cohesion?

The ability of people in society to live together peacefully.

What is freedom of speech?

The right to express opinions without unfair punishment.

What is a referendum?

A public vote to change the Australian Constitution.

What is the Australian justice system?

The system of courts and laws used to resolve disputes and punish wrongdoing fairly.

What are the principles of justice?

Fairness, equality, and access.

What is the Australian court hierarchy?

The ranking of courts from lower to higher courts.

What is precedent?

A legal decision from a higher court that guides future cases.

whats a binding precedent?

A precedent that lower courts must follow.

What is persuasive precedent?

A precedent courts may consider but do not have to follow.

What is jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear certain cases.

What is statutory interpretation?

The process of judges interpreting legislation.

What is statutory authority?

An organisation created by parliament to carry out specific functions.

What is a sanction?

A penalty or punishment for breaking the law.

What is criminal law?

Laws dealing with offences against society and the state.

What is civil law?

Laws dealing with disputes between individuals or organisations.

What is a trial?

A court hearing where evidence is examined to decide a case.

What is negligence?

Failing to take reasonable care, causing harm to another person.

What is the presumption of innocence?

The idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

What are examples of criminal law cases?

Theft, assault, murder, robbery.

What are the consequences in criminal law?

Fines, imprisonment, community service.

Who are the parties involved in criminal law?

The state/prosecution and the accused

What are sources of criminal law?

Legislation and common law.

What are areas of criminal law?

Offences against people, property, and public order.

What is the burden of proof in criminal law?

The prosecution must prove the accused is guilty.

What is the standard of proof in criminal law?

Beyond reasonable doubt.

What is a summary offence?

A less serious offence heard in a Magistrates’ Court.

What is an indictable offence?

A serious offence usually heard in a higher court

What is an aggravating factor?

A circumstance that makes an offence more serious.

What is a mitigating factor?

A circumstance that reduces the seriousness of an offence.

What is civil law?

Law dealing with disputes between individuals or groups.

What are examples of civil law cases?

Negligence, contract disputes, defamation.

What are the consequences in civil law?

Compensation or other remedies.

Who are the parties involved in civil law?

The plaintiff and the defendant.

What are sources of civil law?

Legislation and common law.

What are areas of civil law?

Contracts, family law, negligence, property disputes.

How are civil disputes resolved?

Through negotiation, mediation, tribunals, or courts.

What is the burden of proof in civil law?

The plaintiff must prove the case.

What is the standard of proof in civil law?

On the balance of probabilities.

What are remedies in civil law?

Solutions such as compensation, damages or court orders

What is a jury?

A group of citizens who decide the verdict in some court cases.

What is trial by jury?

A trial where a jury decides guilt or innocence.

What is the role of the jury?

To listen to evidence and deliver a verdict.

What is the composition of a jury?

Usually 12 citizens selected randomly

How are jurors selected?

Randomly from the electoral roll.

What are strengths of the jury system?

Community representation, fairness, shared decision-making.

What are weaknesses of the jury system?

Bias, lack of legal knowledge, expensive and time-consuming.