Representation and Elections in Australia and the USA

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of electoral systems, representation in Australia versus the USA, and the roles of political parties and pressure groups.

Representative democracy

A system where people elect representatives to make decisions and laws on their behalf, practiced in both Australia and the USA.

Levels of representation (Australia)

The three tiers of government consisting of Local (councils), State/Territory (parliaments), and Federal (Parliament of Australia).

Electoral system

The specific method used to convert votes into seats in a parliament or legislature.

First Past the Post (FPTP)

A majoritarian system where the candidate with the highest number of votes (simple plurality) wins; used in the USA and the UK.

Preferential Voting (PV)

An electoral system where voters rank candidates; if no one reaches over $50\%$, the lowest candidate is eliminated and their votes redistributed. Used in the Australian House of Representatives.

Proportional Representation (PR)

A system where seats are allocated based on the proportion of votes each party receives; used in the Australian Senate.

Australian Electoral Compromise

The use of preferential voting in the House of Representatives to represent people in electorates and proportional representation in the Senate to represent states and territories.

Compulsory voting

A legal requirement for all eligible citizens to vote in federal elections, used in Australia to ensure a clear mandate.

Electoral College

The indirect system in the USA where electors from each state vote for the President; a candidate must win $270$ out of $538$ votes.

US House of Representatives

The lower house of the US Congress with $435$ members elected for $2$-year terms via First Past the Post.

US Senate

The upper house of the US Congress with $100$ members ($2$ per state) serving $6$-year terms, with one-third up for election every $2$ years.

Political Representation

The process through which people's views and interests are expressed through government and decisions are made on their behalf.

Political parties

Organizations that compete for power, shape government policies, develop solutions to community issues, and recruit candidates.

Australian Labor Party (ALP)

A centre-left political party that supports fairness, workers' rights, and stronger public services.

Liberal Party

A centre-right political party that supports free markets and limited government.

The Greens

A political party focused on the environment, sustainability, and social justice.

Pressure groups

Organizations such as Greenpeace or Amnesty International that try to influence government decisions and policies without seeking election.

Lobbying

The act of trying to influence members of parliament (MPs) and Senators to support specific causes or policies.

Marriage Equality Impact (2017)

An example of pressure groups (e.g., GetUp!) influencing government to conduct a postal survey and legalise same-sex marriage in $2017$.

ACTU

A pressure group representing unions that fights for fair wages, safer conditions, and workers' rights.