Yr 8 Hass Civics and Citizenship

Civics and Citizenship

Democracy

A system of Government where the power is vested in the people who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

House of Representatives

The lower house of the Parliament of Australia is responsible for debating and making new laws, with 151 members elected to represent their electorate. Green.

Senate

The upper house of the Parliament of Australia. 76 senators. 12 for each state and 2 for each territory.

Governor-General

The representative of the monarch in Australia, performing ceremonial duties and ensuring the Government operates within constitutional guidelines.

Bill

A proposal for a new law or amendment to an existing law.

Act/Legislation

A law that has been passed by both houses of Parliament and receives royal assent from the Governor-General, making it enforceable.

High Court

The highest court in Australia, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and overseeing the legal system.

Supreme Court

The highest court in a jurisdiction, often tasked with overseeing the judicial system, hearing appeals, and ensuring adherence to the constitution.

District Court

A court in Australia that hears serious criminal cases and civil disputes, serving as an intermediate level between the Magistrates' Court and the Supreme Court.

Magistrates Court

A lower court in Australia that handles minor civil and criminal cases, as well as preliminary hearings for more serious offenses.

Liberal Democracy

A political system characterized by competitive elections, the protection of individual rights, and the rule of law. It combines representative democracy with a framework that limits government power and ensures citizen participation.

Bounds of the Law

Refers to the reasonable limits on rights and freedoms that are set out by the law.

Royal Assent

Formal approval by the monarch to a bill passed by Parliament, making it a law.

Statute Law

Formally written down laws made by the Parliament.

Common Law

Law made by judges in courts, based on existing laws, when no clear law covers the matter.

Criminal Law

The law deals with criminals who have broken the law in a way that harms society. Individuals usually get punished.

Civil Law

Legal dispute between two parties, where one party believes their rights to be violated. Offenders often pay compensation.

Customary Law

Traditional law passed down orally through generations.

Secularism

Separation of Church and State.

Protest/Strike

A public expression of objection or disapproval towards an action or idea, typically a political one.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express one’s opinions without censorship, restraint or legal penalty.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to peacefully gather or meet in public or private places.

Freedom of Religion

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

Freedom of Association

The right to join or form peaceful associations to pursue a common goal.

Freedom of Movement

The right to freely move between states or regions within your country. The right to leave any country, including your own, and return without interference.

Universal Declaration of Rights

International document accepted by the United Nations that consists of 30 articles detailing an individual’s basic rights and fundamental freedoms.

Magna Carta

A foundational document for the rule of law, individual rights, and limited government. 

Human Rights

Fundamental entitlements of every human, regardless of their race, gender, age, nationality or any other status.

Refugee

Someone is forced to leave/flee their own country and seek safety in another country. They’re unable to return to their own country for fear of violence, or their freedoms getting taken away.

Asylum Seeker

Someone seeking for the refugee status

Legislative

Makes laws. Includes House of Reps, Senate and GG.

Executive

Executes and administers laws. Includes PM, cabinet and various government departments and agencies.

Judiciary

Interprets laws and resolves disputes. Includes federal courts and High Court of Australia.