Year 10 Civics and Citizenship

The six key concepts of civics and citizenship

• democracy

• democratic values

• the Westminster system

• justice

• participation

• rights and responsibilities

Democracy

Is a system of government in which the people have the power to determine how they will be ruled or managed. In most democratic societies, citizens are involved electing parliamentarians to represent their views. Laws are then made by parliamentarians or representatives of the people on behalf of those that have elected them.

Where does the term democracy come from?

The Greek word ‘demos’ meaning citizen and ‘kratos’ meaning rule. The people of ancient Greece practised a direct democracy.

Direct democracy

A democracy in which citizens meet together to make laws for their society.

Representative democracy

A democracy in which the citizens elect representatives on their behalf to make laws for their society. Australia is this.

Democratic values

Democratic values are the beliefs and ideals that are held by our society as a democracy. By understanding democratic values and their purpose, we can assess if a government is operating as a true democracy. They include:

• respect

• equality

• fairness

• freedom

Respect

Treating others with consideration and valuing their views, beliefs and rights.

Equality

Rights and privileges for all, without discrimination based on gender, race etc. All citizens have the right to the same opportunities.

Fairness

All people are treated fairly, or without injustice, and are given equal opportunity, also known as a ‘fair go’ in Australia.

Freedom

Rights, privileges and responsibilities for all without interference, or control from other citizens or government.

Westminster System

Australia’s system of government is based on this system. It is a form of parliamentary government originating in the UK. Both Australia’s federal and state governments are modelled on this system.

The Westminster system includes:

1. a parliament consisting of two chambers or houses that is elected by the people to make laws on their behalf. Citizens vote for members of the parliament in free and fair elections, and all laws must be passed by a majority (over 50%) of the representatives in both houses.

2. a sovereign (king, queen or Governor-General) to act as the Head of State and hold various powers, including being required to give final approval to all laws made by the parliament. They also have an important ceremonial role, including representing the country at national and international events.

Justice

In Australia, this means that people should treat each other in a manner that is fair and balanced for all.

Our legal system has strong ties with the concept of justice. In fact, it is sometimes called the justice system. In Australia, when people break the law and are convicted by the courts, it is said that they have been ‘brought to justice’.

Through its key principles and procedures (right to a fair trial, legal representation, unbiased juries and the burden of proof), the legal system encourages the delivery of justice to all citizens, whether they be guilty or innocent. Our rights/laws are also written and enforced so that we can enjoy a fair and just society.

Participation

People in Australia can do this through activities such as voting in an election or referendum, serving on a jury or paying taxes. Citizens who participate in this way reap the rewards of living in a society where elected members of parliament seek to represent their views, those who break the law are treated fairly, and services we all use are provided.

Rights and responsibilities

These are our entitlements and duties as citizens. They ensure we run smooth as a democracy.

Rights include:

• right to vote

• protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms

• right to trial by jury

• freedom of religion

• protection against discrimination

Responsibilities include:

• voting in elections

• jury service

• paying taxes

• obeying the law

Human rights

Basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to; regardless of their race, sex, nationality or any other status. They are inherent and inalienable, meaning they are granted at birth and cannot be taken away, recognising the inherent value of each person. They are based on values like freedom, equality, and dignity, and are the ground rules for how people should treat one another, protecting everyone’s quality of life and ensuring fair treatment. Examples include the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech and freedom from discrimination.

Why are human rights important?

Because they recognise the inherent value and dignity of every person, regardless of their background. They are critical to ensuring everyone is treated fairly, creating, stable communities, and promoting individual freedom and equality. They also provide the case for legal protections and individual freedoms.

How does a system of law and government protect human rights?

Through laws, constitutions, and the rule of law, which establish legal frameworks that define and uphold rights. It can create laws that are applied to all its citizens, ensuring they are safe and happy, and punishments or deterrents if you break those laws.

Why is being informed vital for a successfully functioning society?

Because it allows people to make educated choices about how to keep themselves safe, as well as looking after others, e.g. being informed about the law and punishments for breaking them.

Constitution

A set of rules by which a country or state is run. It outlines the structure, powers, processes and procedures of government. The Australian Constitution was created by the British Parliament as part of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900. It took effect on 1 January 1901. It sets up the Australian Parliament and how it is run.

Parliament

A gathering of elected representatives who make laws for a country. Parliament in Australian consists of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Queen/Crown.

Government

The body/group within a society that has the authority to make laws and to provide public programs. In Australia, government is formed by the largest political party in the House of Representatives.

Government vs Parliament

The parliament is the structure, while the government is the body.

Head of State

A body that ratifies/signs off on laws that begin as bills

Senate (upper house)

• 76 senators elected from Australian states and territories = 12 from each state and 2 from each territory (NT, Canberra).

• Shares legislative power (law-making power) with the House of Representatives

• Cannot introduce ‘appropriation/money bills’ (authority to spend government money).

• ‘House of Review’: Senate reviews laws proposed by House of Representatives

• Wide variety of minor parties and views here

House of Representatives (lower house)

• 150 members of Parliament elected from Australian electorates

• Shares legislative power (law-making power) with the Senate.

• Can introduce ‘appropriation (money) bills (authority to spend government money).

• Seat of Government: Political party with the majority in the House of Representatives gets to form government

• Opposition party scrutinises government’s bills

Constitutional monarchy

Australia has this. It is a system of government where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution and their authority is shared with a constitutionally organized government. In this system, the monarch, such as a king or queen, is the head of state but holds a mostly ceremonial role, while elected officials make and pass laws. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are examples of constitutional monarchies. 

Liberal democracy

A system of government based on popular authority in which civil liberties are protected through institutions and principles. An emphasis on individual rights of all members of society and not simply the majority. There are 4 operating principles of a liberal democracy:

• Majority rule

• Equality of political rights

• Political participation

• Political freedom

It is a democracy based on the principles of liberalism, i.e:

• defend and increase civil liberties against the encroachment of governments, institutions and powerful forces in society

• restrict or reulate government intervention in political, economic and moral matters affectin the citizenry

• increase the scope for religious, political and intellectual freedom of citizens

• question the demands made by vested interest groups seeking special privileges

• develop a society open to talent and which rewards citizens on merit, rather than on rank, privilege or status

• frame rules that maximise the well-being of all or most citizens