civics terms year 10

democracy

A system of government in which the people have the power to determine how they will be ruled or managed

representative democracy

a system of government that requires members of parliament to make laws for and on behalf of the majority of voters

liberal democracy

a system of democratic government where the rights of individuals are protected through law and minority groups are protected in society

separation of powers

The separation of the powers of government among legislative, executive and judicial bodies to provide a system of checks and balances

division of powers

The allocation of law making powers to Commonwealth and the States determined at the time of federation, legislative powers are divided into exclusive, concurrent and residual

federalism

A system of government where there is a legislative power sharing relationship between a national government and two or more state governments, this arrangement is determined by a constitution

constitution

a set of rules or principles according to which a state or other organisation is governed

constitutionalism

Government power is outlined and limited by a constitution

preferential voting

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them

referendum

The process set out in section 128 of the Constitution to allow for the Constitution to be formally altered

exclusive power

Law-making powers set out in the Constitution that may only be exercised by the Commonwealth Parliament, such as defence and coining money s. 115

concurrent power

Specific law-making powers in the Constitution that may be exercised by both the Commonwealth and state parliaments, such as tax and marriage s.51(xxi)

residual power

Law-making powers that remained with the state parliaments after federation, such as health, education and criminal law

ratification

A process that legally binds Australia to implement a treaty.

Peacekeeping

The active maintenance of a truce between nations or communities, especially by an international military force.

executive power

the power to administer or implement the law; held my the governor-general (seperation of powers)

legislative power

the power to make the law; held by the parliament (seperation of powers)

judicial power

the power to apply and interpret the law; held by the courts and allows them to enforce the law and settle disputes