hass pt 2

representative democracy:

A system of government where eligible citizens vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

constitution

A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organisation acknowledged to be governed.

liberal democracy:

A political system that combines democracy with the protection of individual rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and limited government.

key operating principles of Australia’s liberal democracy:

Rule of law: Everyone is subject to the law, including those in power.,Separation of powers: Distributing governmental authority among different branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power.,Democratic elections: Regular, free, and fair elections where citizens choose their representatives.Protection of individual rights and freedoms:Guaranteeing fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and association.

separation of powers:

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power.

three branches of Australia’s system of government:

Legislative: Parliament (Senate and House of Representatives) makes laws.,Executive: Prime Minister and Cabinet enforce laws.,Judicial: High Court and other courts interpret laws.

effectiveness of Australia's separation of powers system in preventing the concentration of power and ensuring accountability:

Generally effective due to the independent judiciary and constitutional checks and balances.

importance of democratic elections:

Ensures government accountability, citizen participation, and representation of diverse interests.

the three criteria for democratic elections:

Regular: Elections held at predictable intervals.,Free: Citizens can vote without coercion or intimidation.,Fair: All votes are counted equally, and the electoral process is transparent.

the extent to which elections in Australia meet the criteria for democratic elections i.e. regular, free and fair:

Australia generally meets these criteria well, with some concerns about campaign finance and media influence.

socialism:

A political and economic system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

how opposition to the state is managed in China:

Opposition is tightly controlled through censorship, surveillance, and suppression of dissent.

key operating principles of the Chinese system of government:

Centralised control: The Communist Party maintains strict control over all aspects of government and society.,Party dominance: The Communist Party is the supreme authority, with no meaningful challenge to its power.,Economic development: Prioritising economic growth and modernisation under state guidance. National People's Congress:Formally the highest organ of state power, but largely subservient to the Communist Party.President:Head of state, but power is concentrated in the General Secretary of the Communist Party.State Council:The main administrative body, responsible for implementing policies.

effectiveness of China's separation of powers system in preventing the concentration of power and ensuring accountability:

There is no effective separation of powers; the Communist Party controls all branches of government.

the importance of elections in China:

Elections are held, but candidates are vetted by the Communist Party, limiting choice.

threat to democracy:

Anything that weakens or undermines the principles and institutions of democratic governance.

how marginalisation can lead to a lack of social cohesion:

When certain groups are excluded or disadvantaged, it can create divisions and resentment, weakening social bonds.

how the marginalisation of a group of people might act as a threat to democracy:

Marginalised groups may lose faith in the democratic system and become more susceptible to extremism or violence.

populism:

A political approach that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

rule of law:

The principle that everyone is subject to the law, and that the law should be applied fairly and consistently.

how populism may interfere with the rule of law:

Populist leaders may disregard legal norms or attack independent institutions in pursuit of their agendas.

how populism can result in a threat to democracy:

Populism can undermine democratic norms, polarize society, and lead to authoritarianism.

AI:

Artificial intelligence; the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.

how AI can lead to a lack of social cohesion:

AI algorithms can reinforce biases, spread misinformation, and exacerbate existing inequalities.

how AI can result in a threat to democracy:

AI-driven disinformation campaigns and voter manipulation can undermine elections and public trust.

hierarchy of the courts:

The ranking of courts based on their authority, with decisions of higher courts binding on lower courts.

safeguard to democracy:

Measures or institutions that protect democratic principles and prevent abuses of power.

jurisdictions of the High Court:

Interpreting the Constitution,Hearing appeals from lower courts and Resolving disputes between states or between the Commonwealth and states

the importance of the High Court as a safeguard of Australian democracy:

The High Court ensures that laws are constitutional and protects individual rights against government overreach.

women’s roles during World War II:

Women took on jobs traditionally held by men in factories, farms, and offices, and also served in the armed forces in support roles.

the significance of women’s roles on Australian society:

These changes challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for greater female participation in the workforce and public life after the war.

the purpose of Japanese expansionism in the Pacific:

To secure access to resources, establish a sphere of influence, and create a buffer zone against potential enemies.

the events surrounding the campaign along the Kokoda Trail:

Australian soldiers fought a grueling campaign against Japanese forces in the Owen Stanley Range of Papua New Guinea, halting their advance towards Port Moresby.

conditions in Japanese POW camps:

Harsh conditions, including malnutrition, disease, forced labor, and physical abuse, resulted in high mortality rates among prisoners.

the short and long term impact of detention in POW camps:

Short term: physical and psychological trauma. Long term: lasting health problems, PTSD, and difficulties reintegrating into society.

the historical context underpinning the Holocaust:

The Holocaust was rooted in Nazi ideology, racial antisemitism, and the scapegoating of Jews for Germany's problems.

what life was like for individuals in the camps

Inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, starvation, forced labor, medical experimentation, and systematic extermination.

the significance of the Atomic Bombs:

The use of atomic bombs accelerated

representative democracy:

A system of government where eligible citizens vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf.