CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP 2025

Define human rights

Universal freedoms and entitlements that enable a full and flourishing human life. They are inalienable

What are the types of human rights?

Political

What are political rights

Rights that enable active participation in democracy such as the right to vote.

What are cultural rights

Rights that apply to specific cultural groups such as Indigenous cultures and native title rights.

What are legal rights

Rights that protect individuals within the justice system such as the right to a fair trial.

What are economic rights

Rights that guarantee a minimum standard of living such as the right to work

What's the Magna Carta?

A document signed in 1215 by England's King John and his barons

they forced him to sign it as he was abusing his power towards his people.

Why is the Magna Carta important today?

It was the starting point for some of the most important human rights. It signified the rejection of absolute and arbitrary power. It lay the foundations for modern democracy.

What's the universal declaration of human rights?

An international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings. Accepted in December 1948. Considered a foundational text. Consists of 30 articles.

What does freedom mean

The principle that individuals in society should have self determination and the ability to make decisions. People should be able to choose between alternatives

What are the freedoms?

Freedom of speech

Define secularism

The principle of separation from religious institutions 'the separation of church and state'. Religious institutions cannot directly influence government decisions.

Define democracy

A system of government in which the people have the power to determine how they will be ruled

What is the House of Representatives

The lower house in parliament

What is the Senate

The upper house in parliament

What's the Governor General's role

To give royal assent to a bill.

Define bill

A proposed law or amendment to existing law.

What is an act

A statute or law passed by both Houses of Parliament and formally approved by the Governor-General.

What's a liberal democracy

A type of democracy where individual rights and freedoms are very important. Australia is a liberal democracy that respects rights and freedoms.

bounds of the law

Reasonable limitations on rights and freedoms: does the action limit the rights and freedoms of others. Does the action place national security

royal assent

When the governor general approves a bill so that it can become a law.

statute law

Laws that are made by parliament.

common law

Law made by judges when there is no clear statute law to apply. (judge-made law)

criminal law

Deals with actions that are considered harmful to society as a whole and are prohibited by law. It focuses on punishing individuals who break these laws.

civil law

Deals with resolving disputes between individuals

customary law

A traditional system of law that has been passed down orally for generations and practiced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

freedom of speech

The power or right to express one's opinions without censorship

freedom of movement

The right to freely move between states or regions within your own country. Also the right to freely leave the country and then to return without interference.

freedom of assembly

The right of individuals and groups to meet and engage in peaceful protest.

freedom of religion

The right to believe in or practice any religion of your choice.

freedom of association

The right to form and join associations to pursue common goals.

freedom of assembly in Australia

No commonwealth legislation that enshrined the right to freedom of assembly. It is included in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.

refugee

People forced to flee their own country and seek safety in another. They are unable to return because of feared persecution as a result of who they are

Asylum Seeker

A person who is seeking international protection. Their request for refugee status has not yet been approved.

judiciary

Judges and courts.

freedom to have laws in the constitution

Freedom of religion.

outcomes for civil matters

Ordered to pay money to injured party

outcomes for criminal matters

Imprisonment

legislative branch of government

The branch responsible for creating and amending the law.

executive branch of government

The branch that puts the law into action.

judiciary branch of government

The branch that makes judgments about the law.