Year 10 Civics and Citizenship

Democracy

Democracy is often said to mean 'rule by the people'. An example of this is any system of government in which people vote their elected representatives into parliament.

Constitution

A set of rules that establishes the nature, functions, and limits of the government

High Court

The highest court in Australia with the power to interpret the Constitution

Forms of Government

democracy, dictatorship, autocracy, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, theocracy, anarchy, communist

Freedom of Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or punishment

Media's Role in Democracy

The influence of media on the health of a democratic government

Fake News

False information that spreads, often with the intent to deceive

Misinformation

False information that spreads, regardless of its intent.

Disinformation

Information spread to intentionally deceive, misguide or influence public opinion

Conspiracy Theory

An unfounded explanation of an event or situation blaming powerful entities

Filter Bubbles

Isolation of individuals inside a cultural or ideological bubble

Algorithms

In social media, algorithms are rules, signals and data that govern the platform's operation. These algorithms determine how content is filtered, ranked, selected and recommended to users. In some ways, algorithms influence our choices and what we see on social media.

Deep Fakes

Digitally altered videos showing people doing or saying things they never did

What does it mean to have a 'safeguard' to democracy?

We have values, laws and processes in place that protect and help Australia's democracy to function efficiently

What is the difference between left wing and right wing?

Left means they are progressive
right means they are more conservative

Identify Australia's form of government

Democracy

name 2 features/roles of the Australian Constitution

- it establishes the Commonwealth Parliament and how the House of Representatives and the Senate should be composed
- it establishes the High Court of Australia
- it sets out matters relating to the states
- it facilitates the division of law-making powers
- it provides a way to change the Australian Constitution - a referendum

" a system of separate branches of government that ensures political power is not concentrated in the hands of a single branch"

What safeguard is this defining?

Checks and Balances

Identify the 4 features of Australia's system of government

- separation of powers
- federation of states
- representative government
- constitutional monarchy

What are the requirements in order to change the words of the Constitution?

In order to change the words of the Constitution:
parliament must approve the change
- the people must approve the change through a referendum.
- this requires a double majority of voters
- The Governor-General must approve.

Define rule of law

no one is above the law, including government leaders

Identify one problem with misinformation to a democracy

- It discourages the best course of action for voters if they are being misinformed about what they are voting for.
- It can distort perceptions of political opponents
- It decreases the ability of voters to actually vote in what is their best interest
- It can decrease voter participation if voters begin to distrust the process and what they are reading/hearing- people become apathetic to the issues and stop trying to learn about the policies being presented. "Donkey" votes can increase as a result.
- It can increase hostility to people with opposing views and can enhance extremism.

There are 4 key ideas that underpin Australia's democracy. What is it?

1. Active and engaged citizens
2. An inclusive and equitable society
3. Free and fair elections
4. The rule of law for both citizens and the government

Identify which court has the power to interpret the words of the Constitution

The High Court of Australia

Name 2 other essential elements that act as a safeguard to democracy

checks and balances
civic participation
economic freedom
education
equality
free and fair elections
freedom
free press
independent judiciary
limited government
minimal corruption
rule of law
transparency

How can algorithms impact people's opinions?

- make you narrow minded
- algorithm will be either left and right wing bias therefore will not show views that might challenge
- perpetuating views
- creating filter bubbles

What can people do to minimise the algorithm influencing their opinions?

1. Be mindful of how social media algorithms work
2. Think before you like and share
3. Try to break out of the echo chamber
4. Using your voice

Three structures or services provided by the Australian Government that aim to help people live together in an orderly, tolerant and peaceful manner

1. Social welfare benefits such as age pensions and unemployment benefits
2. Services (hospitals, schools, universities, prisons, the defence and police force)
3. Structures in courts, tribunals, and government departments

6 human rights that are upheld by Australian law

1. Not to be discriminated against on basis of race, nationality, religion, sex, age, martial status, impairment or disability
2. Board freedom of speech, assembly and protest, which enables citizens to debate political issues and openly express their views without fear of being punished
3. A fair trial and freedom from torture
4. Life, liberty and security of person
5. Working and living in a wealthy environment
6. Basic health cares and education

What is the aim to having a system where voting is compulsory?

Compulsory voting aims to make sure that our governments have support from majority of people and not just those who bother to vote

How does the High Court interact with the Constitution?

- interpreting the constitution
- Keeping the constitution relevant
- acting as a "umpire"
- protecting the rights of the Australian people
- resolving disputes

Active and engaged citizens (key ideas underpinning Australia's democracy)

Citizens have a voice and can make changes in society

An inclusive and equitable society (key ideas underpinning Australia's democracy)

We work towards a society where everyone is respected and free

Free and franchised elections (key ideas underpinning Australia's democracy)

We get to stand for election and chose who makes decisions on our behalf

The rule of law for both citizens and the government (key ideas underpinning Australia's democracy)

Everyone is equal before the law and must follow the law

Racial discrimination act

Makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status.

What role does media, both traditional and social, play in the health of a democratic government?

Tradition and social play in the health of a democratic government because citizens are more informed on current affairs which help form an opinion. Democracy strives on the opinions of the people.

Federation of States

States join together as a country and Parliament and the Constitution as 'rulebook' is created

Separation of Powers

no one has all the power - power is shared between 3 branches: Parliament (make/change laws), Executive (actions law) and Judiciary (handles disputes on the law)