Civics and Citizenship

Test for Term 2 2025

Purpose of the separation of powers

The separation of powers is designed to split power between 3 bodies to reduce the chance of corruption and absolute power. As a result, a number of checks and balances exist between the 3 arms that ensure each fulfill their responsibilities and do not act beyond their power.

Two major categories of electoral systems

Majoritarian and Proportional

Branches of Government

Executive, Legislative, Judiciary

Role and composition of the Executive

It is made up of the King (represented by the Governor General), Prime Ministers and ministers. The executive implements laws

Role and composition of Legislative (Parliament)

Made up of the King (represented by the Governor General), the Senate and the House of Representatives - and makes and changes the law

Role and composition of Judiciary

Made up of the High Court of Australia and other Federal courts - makes judgements on the law, and interprets the laws.

How does the separation of powers contribute to Liberalism

The separation of powers is a foundational principle of Liberalism that prevents the concentration of power in any one branch of government. By dividing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, it ensures checks and balances that protect individual freedoms and maintain democratic governance.

Social contract

It outlines the implicit agreements and explicit agreements between individuals and the state regarding the responsibilities of both parties in maintaining order and protecting rights.

Key reasons for why Australia chose to federate

 free trade, defence, immigration, and national pride.

Define the term democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Outline the meaning of liberalism

Liberalism is a political ideology that prioritizes individual freedom. It holds that people’s personal rights and choices should be protected over government or societal control. This concept influences modern democracies by emphasizing civil liberties, free markets, and limited government intervention.

Rights and obligations of Australian citizens

Exchanging some freedoms for rights protection, society’s collective, will, consent as essential for legitimate governance, individual rights, collective duties, freedom, equality, and obligations between governments and citizens

Levels of government

Federal, state and Local

Federal Government roles and responsibilities

Has specific powers over issues that involve all Australians.

Examples: Marriage and divorce, Social welfare benefits, defence, trade and commerce

State Government roles and responsibilities

Deals with issues restricted to their state.

Examples: Adoption and surrogacy, childcare and education, public transport, water and electricity

Local Government roles and responsibilities

created by State parliaments to reduce their workload.

examples: Local roads, rubbish disposal, recreational areas (parks and pools)

Role of the Senate

Makes and amends laws (made up of 76 members, elected for 6 years) (each state elects 12 members and territories each elect 2 members)

Role of the House of Representatives

Government is formed from this house - the party with the majority of seats (at least 76) becomes the Government and elects their Prime Minister

(members elected for 3 years, each electorate elects one member to represent their local area in the house of representatives)

Popular sovereignty

a doctrine in political theory that government is created by and subject to the will of the people.

How does popular sovereignty relate to the 4 function of Australian parliament

• Representative – Parliament reflects citizens' voices.

• Legislative – Laws are made based on public needs.

• Responsibility – Government is held accountable to the people.

• Debate – Public issues are discussed openly.

General Will

the collective will of a people that aims at the common good or interest - even if specific people disagree with it

Role of Australian’s Constitution

Is the foundational legal document that outlines how Australia is governed.

It establishes the government structure (defines three branches of government)

Divides powers between federal and state governments (sets rules for which level of government can make laws on different topics)
Protects Citizens rights (religious freedom and trial by jury)

And Provides a system for change (through a referendum)

Whats a referendum

A referendum is a vote by the Australian people on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution

3 steps that need to be passed for a referendum to be complete

1. A Bill is passed by Federal Parliament (Lower and Upper House)

2. Information provided to voters (must be a yes, no question)

3. Australians must vote

The referendum must have double majority - majority of the national population and majority of the states

Political Spectrum

The term political spectrum refers to characterising and placing political positions in relation to one another.

Outline the impact electoral systems have on the differing composition of the House of Representatives and The Senate.

The House of representatives use a majoritarian voting system, which benefits major parties, while The Senate uses a proportional voting system, which benefits minor parties.

Majoritarian Voting System

The candidate or party that wins the most votes (or over 50%) in a district or area takes the seat.

Proportional Voting System

Voters either rank individual candidates or vote for a party list. Seats are allocated based on the proportion of votes received, ensuring broader representation of political groups.

Explain process of Federation

Australia’s Federation was the process of uniting Australia’s six colonies united to form one nation.

• A Constitution was drafted, voted on, and approved.

• Britain passed the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

• Australia officially federated on 1 January 1901

Importance of elections in Australias Democracy

• Citizens vote to choose leaders.

• Elections hold governments accountable.

• Voting is compulsory to ensure fair representation.

• Prevents authoritarian rule and keeps democracy strong.

Describe the Federal model that Australia had adopted in 1901

Federal Government (national laws)

State Governments (education, health)

Local Governments (community services)

Parliament has two houses:

House of Representatives (population-based)

Senate (equal state representation)