AOS2 POLITICS

Issues for Australia's Democracy

Political Culture

refers to the deeply ingrained attitudes, beliefs, values and behaviours that shape how individuals and groups perceive and participate in political processes, including expectations around the behaviour of other actors (political parties accepting electoral results.)

features of australian democracy

• citizens have the rights guaranteed by laws

• freedom of speech, religion, association

• popular sovereignty

• protect the rights and liberties of citizens

• rule of law applies to equally to everyone

• courts provide a mechanism of accountability

liberalism

the right of the individual - a political and moral philosophy based on the rights of individiual, liberty, and political equality

democracy

complex structures built on complex ideas and upheld through complex institutions. the rights of group, a system of government where power and the ability to make rules rest with, and is exercised by, the people to whom those rules apply.

liberal democracy

refers to a form of democracy in which the power of government is limited and counter balanced by the rights and freedoms of individuals which are protected by constitutions, established norms and institutions.

elections

• regular (by law) free (for all citizens over 18 who are enrolled can vote), fair (same rules)

• proportional and preferential

• managed by AEC, VEC, an independent body, who also manages redistricting

• an essential component of the democratic nature of australian politics, and a key mechanism for accountability.

responsible government

• a government must maintain the confidence of the lower gouse to remain in office

• promotes accountability and transparency

commitment to rule based orders

• australia is governed according to laws, rules and established procedures

• decisions should be made according to legal processes rather than personal power

• supports stability, fairness and public confidence in government

constitutional government

• government powers are defined and limited by the australian constitution

• structure and power of parliament, the executive and high court ‘separation of powers.’

• - government must act within the law

• prevents unlimited government power changes to the constitution require approval through a referendum

constitutional monarchy

• head of state is the monarch king charles III

• monarch power are limited by the Constitution and democratic conventions

• duties are carried out by the governor general on behalf of the monarch

• political power rests with elected representatives, not the monarch

• provides continuity while democratic institutions govern the country

four key ideas

active and engaged citizens. an inclusive and equitable society. Free and franchised elections. The rule of law for both citizens and government.

active and engaged citizens

have a voice, change in society

an inclusive and equitable society

everyone is respected and free

free and franchised elections

stand for election and choose to make decisions on our behalf

the rule of law for both citizens + government

everyone is equal before the law and must follow the law

parliament

is a supreme law making legislative body where elected representatives debate, create and modify laws that govern activity within their jurisdiction, as well as scruitinise the actions of the executive government

law (act of parliament)

a written rule, agreed to by both houses of parliament and made official with the signature of the governor general which applies to everyone within the parliaments jurisdiction

dictatorship

is a form of government characterised by the rule of a single person or a small group with absolute and centeralised power, often acquired and maintained through force and by preventing meaningful ways for the population to remove them from power; sometimes also known as autocracy

fair + free elections

free:

• freedom of speech, assembly and movement, freedom from fear in relation to the election, equal and universal right to vote

fair:

• transparent electoral processes, no special privileges to any party, person or group, independent and impartial officials conduct elections

regularity of elections

Section 28 constitution, max term of HOR is 3 years

• 1 vote, 1 value (equal approximately numbers of voters)

• conduct of campaigns: regulated by a range of laws and conventions. Ban on broadcasting any electoral adverstising three days before the date of elections

public funding

proportional to the number of primary votes they recieve, access to resources

liberalism

the principles of liberalism = inform the understanding of liberalism

the rights of individuals, limited intervention with the government, rule of law

active participation

• community involvement helps governments understand public concerns

• encourage informed decisions - making and civic responsibility

• citizens can vote, join political parties and engage in public debates

• proportional + preferential voting ensures a diverse range of interests

accountability + transparency

• government is responsible to the parliament: responsible to the people

• the opposition, other parties, the media and public can scrutinise government actions

• a range of parties represent diverse interests and these changes every 3 years

rules based order

equality and human rights. protect the freedom and dignity of individuals, each vote has equal value and protections

rule of law

applies to everyone, fairly and consistently, independent courts protect legal rights and resolve disputes