Civics and Citizenship HASS💗ྀི

Flashcards based on Australian politics and legal system lecture notes.

What are the major political parties in Australia and their ideologies?

Australian Labor Party (ALP): Center-left; social justice and public services. Liberal Party: Center-right; free-market and individual responsibility. National Party: Right-wing; rural and agricultural interests. Greens: Left-wing; environmental focus. One Nation: Populist, nationalist.

What is the role of political parties and independent candidates in Australian elections?

They develop policies, select candidates, campaign, influence voter choice, and help form governments.

Name strategies used to influence voters during elections.

Media campaigns, social media, public debates, advertising campaigns, and interest groups.

How do strategies to influence voters differ at various times of an election campaign?

Pre-election: Build awareness; during: intensify advertising; post-election: support or oppose government actions.

How do elections shape political strategies?

Campaigners target swing voters, use media, debates, and social media to sway opinions during key periods.

How do governments form after elections in Australia?

Major parties aim to win majority seats; if no majority, minor parties and independents may support a minority government.

What role do minor parties and independents play in forming Australian governments?

They can hold the balance of power and influence policy by supporting major parties or forming coalitions.

What is the hierarchy of Australia's court system?

High Court, Federal Courts, Supreme Courts (States/Territories), lower courts (Magistrates' courts, local courts).

Why does Australia have a court hierarchy?

To organize the judicial system, allow appeals, and ensure consistent law application.

How do courts interpret and apply the law?

Courts interpret statutes and develop common law through judgments, creating precedents for future cases.

What is the relationship between statute law and common law?

Statute law (laws) can override common law; courts interpret statutes and develop common law principles through decisions.

Burden of Proof

In a court case, the responsibility to prove the facts necessary to win the case. Generally, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution in criminal cases and the plaintiff in civil cases.

Cabinet

The group of senior ministers in a government who meet regularly to make major decisions. In Australia, the Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister.

Common Law

Law developed through court decisions (case law) rather than through legislation passed by parliament. It's based on precedents – previous court rulings that guide future decisions.

Government

The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state. In Australia, this includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and other ministers.

Independent

A politician who is not a member of a political party. Independents can still run for and win elections.

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a court or other body to hear and decide a case. Different courts have different jurisdictions.

Major Party

A political party that consistently receives a significant number of votes and holds a substantial number of seats in parliament. In Australia, the Liberal and Labor parties are considered major parties.

Minister

A member of the government who is responsible for a specific area of policy (e.g., Minister for Education, Minister for Health).

Minor Party

A political party that receives fewer votes and holds fewer seats in parliament than major parties. They can still play a significant role in influencing government policy.

Opposition

The political party or parties that do not hold a majority of seats in parliament and are not part of the government. Their role is to scrutinize the government's actions and policies.

Political Party

An organized group of people who share similar political views and aim to win elections to influence government policy.

Precedent

A previous court decision that serves as an example or guide for similar cases in the future. Judges generally follow precedents unless there is a good reason not to.

Presumption of Innocence

The principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof rests on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Representative Democracy

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Australia is a representative democracy.

Statute Law

Laws passed by parliament. Statute law overrides common law if there is a conflict.