Democratic Principles in Australia and the USA (Booklet 13)

Define democracy

A system of government based on majority rule, primarily expressed through representative institutions (e.g. parliament).

What are democratic principles?

The values and ideas that support democratic governance, ensuring governments remain accountable to the people and exercise limited power.

Define governance

The processes through which democratic institutions make decisions and ensure that public officials act in the interests of the people they serve.

Define popular participation

The active involvement of citizens in the political system, enabled by political and civil rights, which may include voting, involvement in political parties/pressure groups, and protests.

Define political representation

The reflection of citizens’ views and values in the law and policy-making processes. This is primarily done through elected Members of Parliament of act on behalf of their constituency.

Define judicial independence

A democratic principle that requires judicial power to be exercised free from legislative and executive influence.

Define rule of law

The principle that individuals, and governments, are subject to and equal before the law.

Define natural justice

The rules and procedures used by decision-makers (e.g. judges, ministers) to ensure fairness and consistency in the application of law.

What are the 4 pricniples of natural justice?

• impartial adjudication;

• hearing both parties equally;

• evidence-based decisions;

• transparent and open court processes

What do democratic principles do?

• limit government power

• protect the rights of citizens

• ensure elected representative reflect the views and values of the people

What are the 5 democratic principles?

• popular participation

• political representation

• judicial independence

• natural justice

• the rule of law

Are the democratic principles interralted and complementary?

Yes

How does NZYQ demonstrate the rule of law, judicial independence, and natural justice being upheld in Australia?

Demonstrated the rule of law by showing that the government cannot detain someone indefinitely and must act within constitutional limits. It also upheld judicial independence and natural justice because the High Court independently reviewed the government's actions and fairly heard NZYQ's challenge before making its decision.

Briefly explain the relationship between popular participation and political representation

Popular participation allows citizens to choose representatives through voting and other political activities, while political representation ensures those representatives act on behalf of the people while in Parliament (or Congress, etc.). The more people participate, the more representative the Parliament is likely to be.

What does s245 of Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 ensure?

Compulsory voting

What was the voter turnout in the 2025 Australian federal election?

90.%

What is the average voter turnout for OECD countries?

65%

What was the voter turnout for the 2023 referendum in Australia?

89.9%

What sections of Constitution did the HCA find gives Australians the freedom of political communication?

s7 and s24

What HCA case found that Australians had the right to vote?

Roach 2007

Which HCA case found that Australian have the freedom of political communication?

Australian Capital Television 1992

What sections of the Constitution require frequence elections?

s7 and s28

What is the purpose of frequent elections?

Ensures the parliament consistently reflects the values of voters.

What is the purpose of compulsory voting?

Ensures that the government is representative of a broad majority, rather than a politically motivated subset of the population.

In the 2025 federal election, how many seats did the Albanese government win?

94 - re-elected into government

In the 2025 federal election, how much of the Primary Vote did the Albanese government secure?

Only 25%

Who manages electoral boundaries in Australia?

Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

How does Australia ensure gerrymandering does not occur?

Utilises an independent body - the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), which is the only body of governemnt that can change electoral boundaries.

What electorate did the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) introduce in 2025?

Bullwinkel

Why is proportional voting used in the Senate?

To diversify representation.