HASS 1.3

What type of democracy does Australia have?

A representative democracy.

How is power given to the Australian parliament?

Through elections where citizens vote for representatives to act on their behalf.

How can Australian citizens renew or remove the power of parliament?

By voting for the same or new representatives in the next election.

What are two key concepts that contribute to limited government in Australia?

Rule of law and separation of powers.

What does ‘rule of law’ mean?

The law is supreme and applied equally to all, including lawmakers.

How does the rule of law limit government power?

It prevents the government from making laws that benefit itself or certain groups unfairly.

How does the rule of law benefit citizens?

It ensures fair treatment and encourages people to follow the law.

Who developed the concept of separation of powers?

French philosopher Baron de Montesquieu.

Why did Montesquieu believe separation of powers was necessary?

He believed that people with power are likely to abuse it unless power is divided and kept in check.

What are the three branches of government in Australia?

Legislative, executive, and judiciary.

What is the role of the legislative branch in Australia?

To make laws (parliament).

What is the role of the executive branch in Australia?

To enforce and carry out laws (includes the Queen, Governor-General, and government).

What is the role of the judiciary branch in Australia?

To judge, interpret, and apply the law (courts).

What does the Australian Constitution do regarding government powers?

It outlines the three branches of government.

How can branches of government check each other?

• Parliament can reject government-proposed laws.

• The High Court can declare laws unconstitutional or ultra vires.

Is the separation of powers in Australia clearly defined?

No, the executive is also part of the legislative.

How does the executive gain its position in Australia?

Through its majority in the House of Representatives.

How can the executive influence the judiciary in Australia?

By selecting High Court judges as they retire.

What are a society’s ideals?

The features or values to which it aspires.

Why are democratic ideals important?

They ensure people hold some power over their own lives.

What are some key features of a modern democracy?

• Open political participation

• Free and fair elections

• Representative parliaments

• Accountable and majority executives

• Just and fair legal systems

• Protection of rights and freedoms

What does open political participation mean?

People can vote, form political parties and groups, assemble, and protest peacefully.

At what age can Australian citizens vote?

18 years and over.

What levels of government can Australians vote for?

Federal, state/territory, and local parliaments or councils.

Where is the right to vote in federal elections protected?

In the Australian Constitution.

What does the Constitution say about elections for federal houses?

Each house will be “directly chosen by the people.”

How can Australians participate in politics besides voting?

• Running as a candidate

• Joining political parties

• Forming interest or lobby groups

• Organising demonstrations

What makes an election free and fair?

• No intimidation or threats

• Equal opportunity for all citizens and candidates

• Multiple parties and candidates to choose from

How many political parties are registered in Australia?

Over 500.

What is the AEC?

The Australian Electoral Commission—an independent body that runs elections.

What are some ways the AEC ensures fairness in elections?

• Outlaws bribery

• Requires party reps to stay 6 metres from polling places

• Ensures voters only vote once

What does a representative parliament mean?

Lawmakers should reflect the people who elected them.

What factors contribute to a truly representative parliament?

Inclusion of people from all communities, states, regions, and diverse backgrounds (e.g. women, migrants, Indigenous Australians).

How is representation in Australia often viewed?

It is often criticised, but has improved over time.

Which two major parties dominate the Australian House of Representatives?

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal Party of Australia.

With whom does the Liberal Party usually form a Coalition?

The National Party.

What is the ‘crossbench’ in the Australian parliament?

Minor parties and independent members not aligned with the major parties.

Why does the Senate have greater party representation than the House of Representatives?

Because of a different voting system that allows more political parties to gain seats.

Does any party have an absolute majority in the Senate?

No.

Which smaller party often holds the balance of power in the Senate?

The Greens.

What percentage of Australian parliamentarians were born overseas in 1988 and 2018?

11% in both years, despite 33% of Australians being born overseas in 2018.

What was the percentage of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander representatives in 1988 vs 2018?

0% in 1988, increasing to 2.2% in 2018.

What percentage of women were in parliament in 1988 and in 2018?

11.6% in 1988, rising to 33.2% in 2018.

How is the Australian government formed?

By the party or coalition with a majority (at least 76 seats) in the House of Representatives.

How are electorates assigned to states and territories?

Based on population – more population means more electorates.

What is the minimum number of House seats each state is guaranteed?

Five seats.

Which state benefits most from the seat guarantee?

Tasmania.

What can citizens do at elections in terms of government power?

Re-elect the current government or vote in a new one.

Why does a democracy need a fair legal system?

To follow and protect the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.

What must the court system be free from?

Influence by the legislative and executive branches.

What should judges avoid in a democratic legal system?

Bias in decision-making.

Why must a democracy protect rights and freedoms?

So democratic features like participation and fairness can exist.

What are some rights protected by the Australian Constitution?

• Freedom of religion

• Trial by jury

• Free trade between states

What is an example of an implied constitutional right in Australia?

The implied right to political communication (established by the High Court).

What are three examples of rights protected by legislation?

• Racial Discrimination Act 1975

• Sex Discrimination Act 1984

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

What types of rights are protected under common law?

• Right to a timely trial

• Due process

• Access to interpreters

• Right to appeal unjust decisions

• Limited legal representation rights

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A system where a king or queen's powers are limited by a constitution.

Who is Thailand’s head of state?

King Maha Vajiralongkorn (since 2016).

Who is Thailand’s head of government?

The Prime Minister, selected by parliament and approved by the king.

What voting system does Thailand use?

Compulsory voting for citizens over 18, like Australia.

How often are elections held in Thailand?

Every four or five years, depending on which house is due for re-election.

What are the two houses of Thailand’s parliament?

The House of Representatives and the Senate

Who chooses the members of Thailand’s Senate?

The military.

Who appoints Thailand’s judiciary?

An independent commission, but nominations must be approved by the king.

What powers does Thailand’s judiciary have?

• Remove elected officials

• Dissolve political parties

• Veto legislation

How many registered political parties were there in Thailand in 2018?

Over 100.

What significant political events occurred in Thailand in 2006 and 2014?

Military coups that restricted political parties from meeting and campaigning.

When did Thailand hold its first national elections after the 2014 coup?

In 2019.

When was Japan’s current constitution created and what was its main change?

In 1946, it shifted decision-making power from the emperor to an elected parliament.

Who is Japan’s head of state and when did he ascend the throne?

Emperor Naruhito, in 2019.

Who is Japan’s head of government and how are they chosen?

The Prime Minister, who leads the majority party or coalition in the House of Representatives.

What are the two houses of Japan’s Parliament (Diet)?

House of Councillors and House of Representatives.

How is Japan’s judiciary appointed?

Nominated by the cabinet, approved by the emperor, and reconfirmed by public referendum.

What powers does Japan’s judiciary have?

Review legislation and interpret the constitution.

Which political party has dominated Japanese politics since 1955?

The Liberal Democratic Party.

What rights are protected under Japan’s constitution?

• Equality under the law

• Right to vote

• Freedom of religion, thought, and conscience

• Access to the courts

When did India gain independence?

In 1947 from the British Empire.

Who is India’s head of state and how are they chosen?

The President, selected by members of parliament.

Who is India’s head of government and how are they chosen?

The Prime Minister, from the majority party in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

What are the two houses of India’s Parliament?

The Council of States and the House of the People.

Who selects members of the Council of States in India?

Regional assemblies and the president (who selects 12 members).

What powers does India’s judiciary have?

Review legislation, interpret the constitution, and declare laws invalid.

What rights does India’s constitution protect?

• Equality before the law

• Freedom of religion

• Freedom from slavery

• Freedom of movement and residence

• Freedom from caste discrimination

What does India do to promote access to education and jobs for disadvantaged groups?

Assigns quotas (affirmative action).

When did Indonesia gain independence and from whom?

In 1949, from the Dutch Empire.

Who is Indonesia’s current head of state and how is he elected?

President Joko Widodo, directly elected by the people with an absolute majority (50% + 1).

Who can vote in Indonesia?

Citizens over 17.

What are the two houses of Indonesia’s parliament?

The Regional Representative Council and the House of Representatives (together called the People’s Consultative Assembly).

How is Indonesia’s judiciary selected?

By the Judicial Commission, appointed by the President, confirmed by the Assembly.

What powers does Indonesia’s judiciary have?

• Review legislation

• Interpret the constitution

• Dissolve political parties

What limits are placed on parties running presidential candidates in Indonesia?

Must have 25% of the national vote or 20% of seats in the Assembly.

What rights does Indonesia’s constitution protect?

• Equal treatment under the law

• Right to work

• Freedom of expression, association, and assembly

Does Indonesia guarantee freedom of religion?

No. Article 29 bases the state on belief in one God and recognises several religions but does not guarantee full religious freedom.

What is a unique legal feature in the region of Aceh, Indonesia?

Sharia law is enforced, with punishments like public shaming and caning.

When was the People’s Republic of China established and under whose rule?

In 1949, under Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

What is China’s head of state, and how are they chosen?

The President, selected by the National People’s Congress (NPC) for five-year terms.

What change has been made to the presidential term limits in China?

The two-term limit was abolished, allowing the president to serve for life.

What is ‘democratic centralism’ in the context of China?

A system where people can vote for regional congresses, but the central authority (CCP) makes all major decisions.

What level of voting is available to Chinese citizens, and how often?

Citizens over 18 can vote every five years—but only for regional congresses.

Who elects the National People’s Congress in China?

Regional congresses elect representatives to the 3000-member NPC.