Untitled Flashcard Set

What is democracy?

A system of government where citizens have a say in how their country is governed, mainly through elections.

What are the four main democratic principles?

Separation of powers, popular participation, political representation and the rule of law.

What is separation of powers?

Dividing government power between the legislature, executive and judiciary to prevent one group from becoming too powerful.

What is the legislature?

The branch of government responsible for debating, creating and passing laws. In Australia, this is Parliament.

What is the executive?

The branch responsible for administering laws and running the country, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

What is the judiciary?

The courts and judges responsible for interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes independently.

Why is separation of powers important?

It prevents the abuse of power by allowing different branches of government to check one another.

What is the rule of law?

Everyone must follow the law, including politicians and government officials. Nobody is above the law.

Why is the rule of law important?

It protects individual rights, promotes fairness and prevents governments from abusing their power.

What is popular participation?

Citizens taking part in democracy through voting, protesting, petitions and political discussions.

Why is popular participation important?

It gives people a voice in decisions that affect their lives and holds politicians accountable.

What is political representation?

Elected politicians acting on behalf of citizens and representing their interests in government.

What is responsible government?

The executive must remain accountable to Parliament and retain the confidence of the lower house.

What are checks and balances?

Methods that allow government institutions to limit and review one another's powers.

How does Australia elect its Prime Minister?

Australians elect members of Parliament. The leader who can command the confidence of the House of Representatives becomes Prime Minister.

How does the United States elect its President?

Through presidential elections using the Electoral College, rather than Parliament choosing the leader.

What is preferential voting?

Voters rank candidates in order of preference. Preferences are distributed until a candidate gains a majority.

What is proportional representation?

A voting system that allocates seats broadly according to the proportion of votes received. It is used in Australia's Senate.

What is first-past-the-post voting?

The candidate with the most votes wins, even without more than 50% of votes. It is widely used in US congressional elections.

What is one major difference between Australia's and America's political systems?

Australia has compulsory voting and a parliamentary executive, while America has voluntary voting and a separately elected President.

Which country has a stricter separation of powers?

The United States, because its President and Cabinet are separate from Congress. In Australia, ministers are also members of Parliament.

What is misinformation?

False or inaccurate information spread without necessarily intending to deceive.

What is disinformation?

False information deliberately spread to mislead or manipulate people.

How can misinformation threaten democracy?

It can influence voting decisions, confuse citizens and reduce trust in elections and government.

What is populism?

A political approach that claims to represent ordinary people against powerful elites.

How can populism threaten democracy?

Some populist leaders undermine democratic institutions, attack opponents and encourage division.

What is political corruption?

The misuse of political power for personal or private benefit.

What are civil liberties?

Basic freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, peaceful assembly and association.

What is the right to dissent?

The right to disagree with government decisions and express opposition within the law.

Why is a free media important?

It investigates government actions, exposes corruption and informs voters so they can make decisions.

Name three safeguards protecting Australian democracy.

The rule of law, independent courts and free and fair elections.

What is the Constitution?

Australia's highest legal document, establishing federal government institutions and defining their powers.

What is the High Court of Australia?

Australia's highest court, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and hearing important appeals.

How does the High Court protect democracy?

It can declare unconstitutional laws invalid, ensuring Parliament acts within its constitutional powers.

What is a legal precedent?

A legal principle established in a court decision that guides later decisions in similar cases.

What is court hierarchy?

The ranking of courts according to their authority and the types of cases they can hear.

What was the Mabo case?

A 1992 High Court decision recognising native title and rejecting terra nullius as a basis for denying traditional Indigenous land rights.

What does terra nullius mean?

Land belonging to no one, a concept historically used to deny Indigenous Australians' traditional land rights.

What is native title?

Recognition under Australian law of certain traditional rights and interests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold in land and waters.

What was the impact of Mabo?

It recognised native title and led to the Native Title Act 1993, establishing a framework for native title claims.

What are human rights?

Basic rights and freedoms every person has simply because they are human, regardless of race, gender or religion.

Give three examples of human rights.

The right to life, freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial.

Why are human rights important?

They protect individuals from discrimination, unfair treatment and abuse of government power.

What is the difference between individual and group rights?

Individual rights protect each person, while group rights protect the shared interests of communities or cultural groups.

What is the United Nations (UN)?

An international organisation created in 1945 to promote peace, security, cooperation and human rights.

Why was the United Nations created?

To prevent future world wars, encourage peaceful cooperation and protect human rights after World War II.

What is international law?

Rules and agreements governing relationships between countries and their international responsibilities.

What is a treaty?

A legally binding agreement between countries or other recognised international parties.

What is a bilateral treaty?

An agreement between two countries.

What is a multilateral treaty?

An agreement between three or more countries.

What does ratification mean?

A country's formal agreement to be legally bound by a treaty internationally.

What is the difference between signing and ratifying a treaty?

Signing generally shows support and an intention to consider joining. Ratifying formally commits the country to the treaty.

Does ratifying a treaty automatically make it Australian law?

No. Australia generally needs to pass domestic legislation before treaty obligations can be enforced in Australian courts.

What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?

A 1948 United Nations declaration establishing common standards for the rights and freedoms of all people.

Why was the UDHR created?

To protect human dignity and prevent atrocities and human rights abuses following World War II.

Is the UDHR a legally binding treaty?

No. It is a declaration that guides international human rights standards.

What is CERD?

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, aimed at eliminating racial discrimination.

What does CERD protect?

Equal rights and treatment regardless of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

When did Australia ratify CERD?

In 1975.

How did CERD influence Australian law?

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 helped implement Australia's international obligations to combat racial discrimination.

What is the ICCPR?

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, political participation and fair trials.

What is UNDRIP?

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, protecting Indigenous peoples' rights, cultures and self-determination.

When did Australia support UNDRIP?

Australia formally endorsed it in 2009.

Is UNDRIP a legally binding treaty?

No. It is a declaration that guides government policies and international expectations.

What does being a global citizen mean?

Recognising that countries have responsibilities beyond their borders and should help address worldwide problems.

What is foreign aid?

Financial, humanitarian or technical assistance provided by one country to help another.

Why does Australia provide foreign aid?

To reduce poverty, improve healthcare, support development and strengthen regional stability.

What is peacekeeping?

International efforts to maintain peace, protect civilians and support stability in conflict-affected regions.

Give an example of Australia's involvement in peacekeeping.

Australia contributed personnel to missions in East Timor from 1999 to 2013, helping support its transition to independence.

What was RAMSI?

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, an Australia-led mission that helped restore law and order and rebuild institutions.

What does Australia do during international natural disasters?

It can provide emergency supplies, medical assistance, funding and support for rebuilding.

Give an example of Australian disaster relief.

Australia provided emergency assistance and rebuilding support to Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam in 2015.

How does Australia help improve international healthcare?

By funding health programs, including tuberculosis and malaria initiatives in Papua New Guinea.

How does Australia address international climate change?

Through international agreements, regional cooperation and assistance to vulnerable Pacific Island nations.

Why are Australia's international responsibilities important?

They help protect human rights, improve global security, strengthen international relationships and support vulnerable communities.