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Civics and Citizenship

The study of Australia’s system of government, democratic values, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens

Political Ideology

A system of beliefs and ideas about how a society should be organised and governed

Liberalism

A belief in freedom, equality, democracy, and limited government control

Conservatism

A belief in tradition, order, and gradual change rather than rapid reform

Socialism

A belief that wealth and power should be shared more equally and that government should own key industries

Communism

A system where property and resources are collectively owned, aiming for complete equality

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and competition for profit

Fascism

A system led by a dictator that promotes extreme nationalism and control of society

Anarchism

The rejection of formal government in favour of voluntary cooperation

Monarchism

Support for rule by a hereditary monarch such as a king or queen

Political Spectrum

A range showing different political beliefs from far left (equality) to far right (tradition and order)

Democracy

A system of government in which power belongs to the people

Direct Democracy

A system where all citizens vote directly on every law and decision

Representative Democracy

A democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and laws on their behalf

Why Direct Democracy is Impractical in Australia

Australia’s population is too large and diverse for every citizen to vote on every issue

Values of Australian Democracy

The key principles that guide democracy: participation, equality, fairness, freedom, and justice

Active and Engaged Citizens

Citizens who participate in civic life through voting, petitions, and community involvement

Inclusive and Equitable Society

A society that values and respects all individuals equally and provides fair opportunities

Free and Fair Elections

Elections that are open, secret, and conducted by an independent authority (the AEC)

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law

Justice and Tolerance

Fairness and respect for different ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds

Freedom of Speech and Association

The right to express opinions and join organisations peacefully

Checks and Balances

Mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from having too much power

Australia’s System of Government

A representative democracy and constitutional monarchy that follows the Westminster system

Constitutional Monarchy

A system where the monarch is the head of state but must follow the Constitution

Prime Minister

The head of government and leader of the party with majority in the House of Representatives

Westminster System

It means Australia follows the British (Westminster) system, where the government (executive) comes from within parliament, not separately elected.

The Constitution

Australia’s rule book that outlines how the country is governed and divides powers between governments

Federation

The joining of the six colonies into one nation, creating the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901

Double Majority

The requirement for a constitutional change: a national majority and a majority of voters in at least four states

Referendum

A national vote to approve or reject a proposed change to the Constitution

High Court of Australia

The highest court in Australia that interprets the Constitution and settles disputes

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial

Legislative Power

The power to make and change laws held by parliament

Executive Power

The power to enforce laws held by the Prime Minister, ministers, and government departments

Judicial Power

The power to interpret laws and ensure they follow the Constitution held by the courts

Federal Government

The national government that manages defence, immigration, trade, and postal services

State Government

Manages schools, hospitals, roads, and police within each state

Local Government

Responsible for community services like waste collection, parks, and pet registration

Shared Responsibility Example (Health)

Federal funds hospitals, states run them, and local councils manage health inspections

Parliament

The federal law making body made up of the House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor General

House of Representatives

The lower house with 151 members the government is formed here

Senate

The upper house with 76 members that reviews and amends bills

Royal Assent

The Governor General’s formal approval of a bill, making it law

Government

The party or coalition with majority in the House of Representatives that runs the country

Difference Between Parliament and Government

Parliament includes all elected members

Government is the party with the majority that makes policy

Elections

The process where citizens vote to choose representatives at federal, state, or local level

Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

The independent body that manages elections and the electoral roll

Compulsory Voting

The legal requirement for all eligible citizens to vote

Voting Age

Australians can vote at 18 and enrol from age 16

Prisoner Voting Rule

Prisoners serving more than two years cannot vote

Federal Election Frequency

Federal elections are held every three years

State Election Frequency

State elections are held every four years

Senate Term

Senators serve for six years

Electoral Roll

The list of Australians registered to vote used to confirm voter eligibility

Formal Vote

A ballot paper completed correctly so it can be counted

Informal Vote

A ballot paper not completed correctly which cannot be counted

Donkey Vote

A formal vote where candidates are numbered in order from top to bottom of the ballot

Preferential Voting

A voting system where candidates are ranked in order of preference until one receives a majority

Reasons for Compulsory Voting

It ensures full participation and representative outcomes

Arguments Against Compulsory Voting

It restricts freedom of choice and can encourage uninformed voting

Rule of Law Importance

Guarantees fairness and equality by ensuring no one is above the law

How Laws Are Made

A bill is introduced, debated, passed by both houses, and signed by the Governor

Bill

A proposed law presented to parliament for debate

Act of Parliament

A bill that has passed both houses and received royal assent

Cabinet

A group of senior ministers who make major government decisions

Opposition Leader

The head of the largest non government party who challenges the government

Rights in a Democracy

Freedom of speech, belief, association, and equality before the law

Responsibilities of Citizens

To vote, obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, and contribute to society

Active Citizenship

Taking action to improve society through volunteering, petitions, and civic involvement

Bahrain Case Study

A monarchy with limited democracy and restricted political freedom

Pakistan and Malala Case Study

Malala Yousafzai campaigned for girls’ education under Taliban control showing courage and democratic values

Features of Democracy

Free and fair elections, equality, rule of law, and protection of rights

non-democracies

non- democracies restrict power and limit rights

Premier

The leader of a state government

Prime Minister vs Premier

The Prime Minister leads the federal government while a Premier leads a state government

Major Australian Political Parties

The Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party, and the National Party

Political Landscape in Australia

Dominated by two main parties: Labor and the Liberal–National Coalition

Judicial Hierarchy

The structure of courts from lower state courts to the High Court of Australia

Top Court in Australia

The High Court of Australia

Importance of Participation

Democracies rely on citizens being active, informed, and engaged

1901 Federation Date

The year the Constitution came into effect and Australia became a nation

Meaning of Justice

Fair and equal treatment under the law and in society

Freedom in a Democracy

The right to express views, practise religion, and join groups freely

Equality in a Democracy

All citizens have the same legal and political rights

Accountability in Government

Governments must explain their actions and can be questioned by parliament and the media

Lawmaking Purpose

To create order, protect rights, and promote fairness

How Parliament Checks the Government

Through debates, question time, committees, and investigations

Referendum Process

Parliament approves a proposal which is then voted on by the people in a national referendum requiring a double majority

Citizen Responsibilities in Elections

To enrol, vote properly, and accept the democratic outcome

Governor General Role

Signs laws, opens parliament, and represents the King at ceremonies

King Charles III

Australia’s current head of state represented by the Governor General

Meaning of Representative Parliament

A parliament where people elect others to represent them and make laws

Democracy Definition Summary

Government by the people for the people through free and fair elections and representation