Y10 SEM1: HUM EXAM

define democracy

A system of government where citizens vote to choose representatives and have a say in decisions.

what does democracy protect?

Democracy protects freedom, participation, and fairness in society.

define the constitution

It is the set of rules/laws that explains how Australia’s government operates.

what does the constitution outline?

The Constitution outlines powers of parliament, courts and the division of powers.

define rule of law

A principle that states no one is above the law, including the government.

why is the rule of law important?

The rule of law ensures fairness and prevents the abuse of power.

define federalism

The system in Australia that involves the sharing of power between federal and state governments.

define the electoral system

It is the process Australians use to vote and elect representatives into parliament

what does the electoral system ensure?

It ensures representation and participation in democracy.

define checks & balances

Systems in place to stop one branch of government being too powerful / corrupted.

how does checks & balances ensure fairness?

Each branch can either reduce or examine the powers of another branch.

define the bicameral system

Australia’s parliament has two houses: House of Representatives and Senate

what does the bicameral system help with?

The bicameral system helps review laws carefully and increases accountability.

what does the Governor General represent?

The King in Australia.

what does the Governor General do?

Give royal assent to laws passed by Parliament, and carry out constitutional duties.

Australia is classified as a “constitutional monarchy”. what does this mean?

Australia has a monarch as head of state, but powers are limited by the constitution.

what can elected representatives do (relating to the monarch)?

They can make political decisions, not the monarch.

what is the role of the House of Reps?

The House of Reps forms government, introduces most laws, and represents Australians based on population.

what is the role of the Senate?

The Senate reviews laws, represents the states equally, and helps hold the government accountable.

what are the three branches of govt in Australia?

• legislative

• executive

• judiciary

what is the legislative branch responsible for?

Branch of government responsible for making laws, including the House of Representatives and Senate.

what is the executive branch responsible for?

Branch of government responsible for applying laws, including the Prime Minister and Governor General.

what is the judiciary branch responsible for?

Branch of government responsible for interpreting laws, keeping laws fair and independent from politics.

define participation

Citizens being involved in democracy through voting, protests or political discussion.

what does participation ensure?

Participation ensures people have a voice in society, upholding democratic values.

define representation

Elected members speak and make decisions on behalf of citizens.

what does representation ensure?

Representation ensures different groups in society are considered in Parliament.

what is a direct democracy?

A democracy where citizens vote on laws themselves.

what is a representative democracy?

A democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

define decentralised powers

Power is spread across different branches of government instead of one central authority.

why is decentralised powers important?

It reduces the risk of too much power being concentrated in one place.

define separation of powers

Government powers are divided between branches to prevent abuse of power.

what does separation of powers protect?

Separation of powers protects democracy and accountability.

define division of powers

What responsibilities are shared between federal and state governments, written in the Australian Constitution.

why is the division of powers important?

Prevents one govt from having too much control, ensuring laws stay fair and protect people.

what are the three levels of govt in Australia?

• federal

• state

• local

what are exclusive powers and which level of govt has it?

Powers only the federal government can control, including defence, immigration and currency.

what are concurrent powers and which level of govt has it?

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, including education and healthcare.

define scrutiny

Closely examining government actions and decisions, helping hold the government accountable.

define accountability

Government and leaders being responsible for their actions and decisions.

define the westminister system

Australia’s parliamentary system based on Britain’s model.

define threats to democracy

Challenges that weaken trust, fairness or participation in democratic systems.

resilient democracy

one that can withstand social, political, and technological threats while upholding:

• free and fair elections

• rule of law

what is populism?

A political approach where leaders claim they represent ‘ordinary people’ against a powerful ‘elite’.

why is populism a threat?

Populism encourages an ‘us vs them’ mindset, creating division in society.

what is terrorism?

The use of violence of threats to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.

why is terrorism a threat?

Terrorism threatens civilian safety, creating fear and reducing participation.

what is digitisation of media?

False information shared either without intent (mis-) or deliberately (dis-).

why is digitisation of media a threat?

False information spreads quickly online, undermining trust and informed decision-making.

what is distrust and indifference?

People lack confidence in politicians (distrust), or do not engage in politics (indifference).

why is distrust and indifference a threat?

Democracy relies on active/informed citizens, and it weakens accountability.

what is foreign interference?

When another country tries to influence Australia’s political system.

why is foreign interference a threat?

It undermines trust in elections, and divides communities.

how did the bondi beach attack impact australian society?

It increased fear about safety in public spaces.

what did the bondi beach attack cause?

It caused debates about security, racism and democratic freedoms.

ADD SAFEGUARDS QS FOR EXAM!!! (add after the individual test)

(get to pick 1 of 2 questions in the exam, will be short answer + source analysis)

climate change

• long-term changes in weather patterns (temp, rainfall, extreme weather events)

• driven by human activities → increases greenhouse gases

e.g. more heatwaves/bushfires in australia

greenhouse effect

• gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun

• keeps earth warm, but human activities has intensified it

e.g. CO₂ from coal increases heat trapping → increases global temp

global warming

• gradual increase in earth’s surface temp

• caused by the intensified greenhouse effect (more greenhouse gases in atmosphere)

e.g. last 10 years have been the warmest (record high)

carbon emissions

• release of CO₂ / carbon gases into the atmosphere

• caused by human activities → increases greenhouse effect

e.g. emissions from vehicles are a major source in australia

mitigation

• actions that reduce the causes of climate change

• lowering greenhouse gas emissions → limits impact of climate change

e.g. switching to renewable energy sources (climate change mitigation)

adaptation

• controlling human activities → reduce the negative impacts of climate change

• some climate change is unavoidable → manage its effects

e.g. flood barriers to protect coastal communities

sustainability

• using resources to meet current needs without harming future generations

• balancing protection of environment, economy, and social wellbeing

e.g. maintain soil health + continue food production (sustainable farming practices)

climate vulnerability

• how easily affected a place is on the effects of climate change

• judged by exposure to hazards, ability to adapt

e.g. low-lying islands are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels

sea-level rise

• gradual increase in the levels of oceans

• caused by expansion of seawater when it warms → serious risks to coastal environments

e.g. threatens homes/buildings near the coast

extreme weather events

• weather conditions very different from weather patterns (heatwaves, floods)

• climate change increases severity of these events

e.g. intense rainfall → increased flooding

where is kakadu national park located?

Northern Territory; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

what does kakadu’s environment feature?

It features biodiverse wetlands and floodplains, and is jointly managed with Traditional Owners.

what is saltwater intrusion?

How saltwater moves into freshwater wetlands, increasing salinity in water and soil.

why is saltwater intrusion harmful?

It damages freshwater ecosystems, lowering biodiversity.

sea level rise (cause)

• what causes it?

• what does it cause?

• vulnerable?

• warming oceans + melting ice increases sea levels

• seawater pushed further inland during tides/flooding

• low-lying Kakadu wetlands highly vulnerable

climate change (cause)

• what causes it?

• what does it increase?

• what does it speed up?

• greenhouse gases warm Earth’s climate

• increases storms, flooding, sea-level rise

• speeds up saltwater intrusion into wetlands

storm surges + tides (cause)

• what do they do?

• repeated surges?

• what happens to wetlands?

• storms push seawater further onto land

• repeated surges increase salinity over time

• freshwater wetlands become salt-affected

how does saltwater intrusion affect the environment at kakadu?

Salt exposure kills freshwater plants and destroys habitats, leading to a drop in fish, bird, and insect biodiversity.

what is a social effect of saltwater intrusion?

Indigenous food sources are reduced, forcing them to rely on store-bought food.

what is a cultural effect of saltwater intrusion?

Elders cannot pass down traditional stories to younger generations due to sacred sites being destroyed.

what is an economic effect of saltwater intrusion?

Environmental degradation ruins iconic landscapes, leading to fewer tourists.

what is a stakeholder at kakadu and their perspective?

Traditional Owners want to protect their freshwater country and sacred sites to preserve their culture and traditional food sources.

what are two management responses for saltwater intrusion?

Saltwater barriers are reducing entry of seawater, while monitoring programs track salinity and health of the ecosystem.

what is a short-term mitigation strategy for saltwater intrusion?

Monitoring environmental changes to the ecosystem.

what is a medium-term mitigation strategy for saltwater intrusion?

Restoring habitats and native vegetation.

what is a long-term mitigation strategy for saltwater intrusion?

Climate adaptation plans and maintaining a sustainable environment.

What is the business cycle?

the ongoing pattern of expansion and contraction in economic activity

What are the targets for the economy?

GDP: 2-4%

Inflation: 2-3%

Unemployment: 4-5%

What is the role of the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics)?

the ABS collects official data on Australia’s economy, population, and society to help people make informed decisions.

How does economic performance affect living standards?

• Strong economic performance → more jobs, higher incomes, improves living standards.

• Poor performance → fewer jobs, lower incomes, lowers living standards.

What is macroeconomics, and why do we measure the economy?

• the study of the economy as a whole

• helps make predictions, better decisions and reduces uncertainty

How do other countries (overseas sector) influence our economy?

• when China grows → Australia exports more

• if interest rates change in another country → money moves between countries

• both global and local factors impact our economy

Complete the table (high, low, increasing, decreasing)

How are economies measured (3 main quantitative indicators)?

1. economic growth - is the economy producing more goods & services?

2. unemployment - how many people can’t find work?

3. inflation - are prices rising too quickly?

What is GDP and why is GDP data gathered?

• GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in one year.

• Data is gathered to measure economic performance, track growth, and compare living standards over time.

GDP per capita

• GDP divided by population

• shows the average output per person and gives an indication of living standards.

Limitations of GDP

it doesn’t measure:

• wellbeing

• unpaid work

• environmental damage

Why does economic growth matter and what does it mean to grow sustainably?

• creates jobs, increases income, and improves living standards.

• Sustainable growth is steady growth (about 2–4%) that meets current needs without harming future generations

What is unemployment and how do we measure it?

Types of unemployment. When they occur? Give an example.

• frictional

• structural

• cydical

• seasonal

Effects of high unemployment

negative

• lower standard of living

positive

• reduces inflation

What is inflation?

an increase in the prices of goods and services bought by households

Is it bad if prices rise?

• no, it is a sign of a healthy economy

• because it means there are lots of transactions and its adding value to what we produce and consume

How is inflation measured?

• by the ABS, using the CPI (consumer price index)

• CPI: a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by households for common goods and services