Year 8 Civics and Citizenship – Core Vocabulary

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the Year 8 Civics and Citizenship unit, focusing on Australia’s democracy, its structures, and the values and duties of active citizens.

Civics

The study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens within a society or country.

Citizenship

The position of being a citizen of a particular country.

Democracy

A democracy is a system of government in which the people hold the power to make decisions about how they are governed. The citizens elect people to represent them in the government to develop policies and make laws.

Representative Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens elect people to represent them in government to develop policies and make laws.

Constitution

A written document that outlines the powers of government institutions and the rights of citizens.

Bicameral Parliament

Contains two houses, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Universal Suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of gender, race, wealth, or education.

Independent Judiciary

A court system free from influence by the government.

Democratic Values

respect, equality, fairness, and freedom.

Justice

Treating people fairly, protecting rights, and holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions.

Participation

Active involvement of citizens in decision-making and community activities, such as voting or joining civic groups.

Rights

Freedoms that all citizens in a society are entitled to.

Responsibilities

Duties citizens are expected to carry out, such as obeying laws and paying taxes.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.