Econmics and Civics/Citizenship Exam Revision

Representative government

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and laws on their behalf in parliament.

Responsible government

A system where the executive government is accountable to parliament and must maintain its support to stay in power.

Liberal democracy

A system of government based on free elections, protection of rights, and rule of law.

Separation of powers

The division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent abuse of power.

Rule of law

The principle that all people, including government leaders, are equal under the law and must obey it.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between the federal government and state governments.

Commonwealth Constitution

The legal document that sets out the structure of Australia’s government and divides its powers.

Exclusive powers

Powers only held by the federal government.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared between the federal and state governments.

Residual powers

Powers not listed in the Constitution that belong to state governments.

High Court of Australia

The highest court in Australia responsible for interpreting the Constitution and resolving legal disputes.

Judicial branch

The part of government that interprets and applies laws.

One-party state

A political system where one political party controls the government and opposition parties are not allowed to gain power.

Communist Party of China (CCP)

The ruling political party that controls the government in China.

Media bias

When media outlets present information in a way that favours a particular viewpoint.

Corruption

The abuse of power for personal gain.

Vested interests

Groups that try to influence government decisions for their own benefit.

Lack of trust in institutions

When citizens lose confidence in government and democratic systems.

Organised crime

Criminal groups that operate in a structured way for illegal profit.

Political participation

Citizens taking part in democratic processes such as voting and elections.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

The total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year.

Economic growth

An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time.

Inflation

A general increase in prices of goods and services over time.

Demand-pull inflation

Inflation caused when aggregate demand for goods and services is higher than supply.

Cost-push inflation

Inflation caused when production costs increase, leading to higher prices.

Structural unemployment

Unemployment caused when workers’ skills do not match available jobs.

Cyclical unemployment

Unemployment caused by changes in the business cycle or economic downturns.

International law

A set of rules and agreements between countries that aims to regulate relations and promote peace, security, and cooperation.

United Nations (UN)

An international organisation that promotes peace, security, and cooperation between countries.

UN peacekeeping

Operations where UN forces are deployed to help maintain peace and security in conflict areas.

Effectiveness of international law

The extent to which international law is followed and enforced, which can be limited because there is no global government.