Civics & Legal Studies

Rule

Guideline created & enforced by a group or organisation that applies to those in the group or organisation

Law

Guideline created by the parliament or courts and enforced by the courts

Difference between Laws & Rules

• Created and enforced by different people

• Differing punishments, e.g. Jail vs infringement

Social Cohesion

A society where members work together for collective wellbeing.

How the government maintains social cohesion

• By creating and enforcing laws that protect rights, maintain order, and resolve disputes fairly.

• Treating everyone equally under the law results in more trust and stability within society.

Examples:

• Racial Discrimination Act - promoting equal, encouraging tolerance (made racial discrimination illegal)

• National Firearms Agreement - enhanced public trust & sense of safety (Gun control measures) 

• Marriage Amendment - fostered greater acceptance and inclusion (Legalise same-sex marriage) 

Democracy

A system of government where the people hold the power to make decisions, usually through voting.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect officials to make political decisions on their behalf.

Freedom of Speech

The right for someone to express their views without censorship, restraint, or legal consequences.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to gather with others in order to express views, exchange ideas, or have peaceful protests.

Responsible Government

Means that the executive branch (government) is accountable to the legislative branch (parliament).

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from having complete control

Australian Constitution

Legal document that outlines the structure and powers of the Australian government

Federal Government

• Concerned with the running of and regulation of the whole country

• Have power over things in Australia such as Defence, Currency, and International Trade

• Includes the House of Representatives and the Senate

State Government

• Concerned with the running/regulation of the individual states and territories

• Have powers over things like Education, Public Transport, and Police.

Local Government

• Concerned with the running of and regulation of the electorates and suburbs across Australia

• Have powers over things like such as Rubbish Collection, Footpaths, and Sewerage

• In Australia there are 150 electorates and hundreds more councils