VCE Politics - Unit 2 AOS 1: Key Concepts

Political Culture

Refers to aspects beyond the structures of Australian politics. It’s about the overall attitude, values, and customs that determine a political system’s functioning, and how people engage with the processes of government.

Liberal Democracy

refers to a form of democracy in which the government’s power is limited to protect the rights of people, protected by constitutions and institutions. Balances rights with majority preference.

Responsible Government

Refers to the expectation of accountability of the executive branch to the parliament, and their decisions and actions must be exposed to public scrutiny. It ensures the government must maintain the confidence of the lower house to hold power.

Constitutional Government

A system where the government’s powers and limitations are defined by a constitution. It is how a government follows laws and rules to govern.

Constitutional Monarchy

A form of government where a monarch acts as the head of state within a constitution’s parameters, with limited power, while the elected government is the primary political authority.

Commitment to a rules based order

A political actor’s adherence of international norms, laws, and agreements that shape the functioning of the broader political system, which includes the relations between states and other political actors. E.g. support for IGGs that uphold these rules, like the United Nations.