hass politics and law year 10 term 4

democracy

system where people elect leaders + influence decisions

Example: Australians vote for members of Parliament.

Democratic Values

• Freedom, equality, fairness, respect.

• Example: Everyone’s vote has equal value.

Westminster System

• Executive (Prime Minister + Cabinet) is drawn from and accountable to Parliament.

• Example: Australia follows this system.

Justice

• Fair and equal treatment under the law.

• Example: Everyone has the right to a fair trial.

Participation

• Active involvement in political/community life.

• Example: Voting, protesting, volunteering.

Rights and Responsibilities

• Rights = freedoms citizens have.

• Responsibilities = duties citizens must follow.

• Example: Right to vote, responsibility to obey laws.

australia separation of Powers

• Legislative: Parliament makes laws.

• Executive: Prime Minister and Cabinet enforce laws.

• Judicial: Courts interpret laws.

australia Democratic Elections

• Regular, free, and fair elections.

• Citizens choose representatives

australia Representative & Responsible Government

• Elected representatives act for the people.

• Government must answer to Parliament and the public.

japans Constitutional Monarchy

Emperor is symbolic Head of State with no real power.

japans Parliamentary System

National Diet = Japan’s Parliament.

• Lower House: House of Representatives.

• Upper House: House of Councillors.

japans Separation of Powers

• Legislative: Diet makes laws.

• Executive: Prime Minister and Cabinet enforce laws.

• Judicial: Courts apply and interpret laws.

Threats to Democracy

• Anything that weakens democracy or public trust.

• Examples: Corruption, misinformation, voter suppression.

Misinformation

False info shared without harmful intent.

e.g 2023 Voice to Parliament: False claims about the Voice’s purpose and cost.

Disinformation

False info shared deliberately to deceive.

e.g 2020 COVID-19: False vaccine or virus claims online.

Effects on Public Confidence

• Reduces trust in elections and government.

• Creates division and confusion.

• Leads to poor or misinformed decisions.

Safeguards in Democracy

• Systems that protect democracy and fairness.

• Prevent misuse of power and protect rights.

Free Elections:

people vote in regular, fair, and secret votes.

Rule of Law:

everyone is equal under the law

Freedom of Speech

peope can express opinions w/o fear lawfully

Right to Dissent:

people can disagree w/gov (peacefully + legal)

Role of Free Media

• Holds government accountable

• e.g

  • Sports Rorts Scandal (2020): Exposed misuse of sports grants.

  • Political Donations: Media revealed links between donations and decisions.

. Legal Boundaries of Dissent

• Protests must be peaceful.

• No violence, hate speech, or property damage.

• Must follow legal requirements (e.g., permits for marches)