POLITICS AND LAW - YEAR 10
Define unicameral?
Unicameral is a political system consisting of one legislative house being the lower house. For example, in Queensland and the territories the legislative house at state level is the Legislative Assembly.
Define Constitutional Monarchy?
A Constitutional Monarchy is a system of Government based on the constitution with a king or queen at the head of state. Australia is a Constitutional Monarchy with the queen at the head of state and Japan is a Constitutional Monarchy with the Emperor at the head of state.
How is vested interests a threat to social cohesion?
A personal reason for involvement in undertaking or situation, especially of financial or other gain. Vested interests can interfere with their position, responsibilities and put individuals to a disadvantage. For example, Clive Palmar had a vested interest in the proposed repeal of the 2011 mining tax that because of his own involvement in the mining industry other were put to a disadvantage.
Differentiate between referendum and plebiscite?
A referendum is a general vote by an electorate to change the wording of the constitution. A plebiscite is a general vote on a public matter such as daylight savings. In both cases it is a direct vote to the people as yes or no.
What is resolving social cohesion through conciliation?
A strategy involving the use of an independent third party facilitator to solve a dispute. Appointed by a formal tribunal. Legal representation is not required and limits cost
Define NGOs?
An NGO is a non-government organisation that runs independently of any government control and thus can reach a wider range of people not being affected by foreign policy. Examples include local divisions of large multinational organisations such as Oxfam Australia or may be locally created such as The Fred Hollows Foundation that both rely on public donations and volunteers. Multinational describes an organisation operating in several countries.
What is protecting social cohesion through rights?
Australia does not have a Bill of Rights, some believe this limits rights while others believe a legally binding document will enhance social cohesion. "If it ain't broke why fix it". Australia functions without the Bill of Rights and use this phrase about becoming a republic rather then a constitutional monarchy. Fragmented rights occur in Australian constitution, commonwealth legislation, state legislation and case law.
What are Australia's democratic beliefs?
Australia's democratic beliefs underpin our rights and responsibilities as Australian citizens and include: 1. Parliamentary Democracy: Australian citizens have a say in the running of the country by participating in voting and as a result have the responsibility to respect the laws made by the Government. 2. The Rule of Law: Australian citizens are protected by the law as no one is above the law including the Prime Minister or the Police, everyone is equal before the law and the Government is run according to the law. 3. Freedom of Speech: Australian citizens have the freedom to announce their belief on issues, laws and actions of the Government but cannot show defamation by harming ones name or limiting the freedom of speech. For example, the opposition suggests alternatives. 4. Freedom of Association: Australian citizens can choose to freely come together or protest to promote ideas they care about. 5. Equality Under the Law: Australian citizens are equal under the law and are treated the same in court and in everyday situations may not be judged on race, age, gender or sexuality.
What is Australia's contribution as a global citizen?
Australian representatives to the United Nations have focused on gender equality, the rights of women and whaling. However, climate change has become less of a priority despite ratifying the Kyoto Protocol in 2007 and introducing a carbon tax in 2013 and our treatment of refugees and asylum seekers has also been criticised.
Define bicameral?
Bicameral is a political system consiting of two houses being the upper house and lower house. For example, in Australia the upper houses are the Senate at federal level and the Legislate Council at state level and the lower houses are the House of Representatives at federal level and the Legislative Assembly at state level.
How do elections occur in Australia?
Citizens in Australia have the right to vote at 18 which is compulsory and follows the following procedure: • In the House of Representatives elections occur every three years and one ballot paper is cast using preferential voting. The process involves numbering your preferred candidates from first to last preference. To win a seat in the House of Representatives, a candidate must get an absolute majority or voter preferences are counted. • In the Senate elections occur every six years with half elections every three years and one ballot paper is cast. The process involves either placing the number one beside the party of your choice and the preferences will be distributed following the parties instructions or numbering all the candidates from first to last preference. To win a seat in the Senate senators have to win a quota of the votes.
How do elections occur in Japan?
Citizens in Japan have the right to vote at 18 but it is not compulsory and follows the following procedure: • In the House of Representatives elections occur every four years and two ballots are cast. The first ballot uses first past the post voting and elects 300 members each from a single seat constituency. This means that voters in a given electorate have one vote and the candidate who receives the most votes becomes the representative of that electorate. The second ballot uses proportional voting and elects 200 members in 11 regional blocs. This means that voters vote for a party in a given region and the number of Diet seats that party receives in based on the percentage of votes that it receives. For example, in a district with 20 seats available, if a party running 25 candidates gets 50 percent of the vote, the party gets 10 seats and gives them to the top 10 candidates on its list. • In the House of Councillors elections occur every six years with half elections every three years and two ballots are cast. The first ballot uses first past the post voting and elects 146 members from 47 prefectural constituencies. This means that voters cast a vote for an individual candidate in each region and the candidates with the largest number of votes in each region are elected to office. The second ballot uses proportional voting and elects 96 members from a national constituency.
What is protecting social cohesion through unity through values?
Communities follow a set of shared values of ethical guidelines and principles. Australian values statement committing to adhering to shared values of Australia. Equality, tolerance fair play and compassion to those in need. Example, sorry day marches show the power of shared values and injustice of indigenous Australians.
How is corruption a threat to social cohesion?
Corruption exists in bribery, embezzlement which is the theft or misuses of funds belonging to an employer and organisation, political corruption. For example, Rum Rebellion and Lisa Scphahidi not reporting funds as a community we loose faith in the legal system.
Define democracy and representative democracy?
Democracy is a system of Government in which the people elect representatives. A representative democracy is when members of parliament act on behalf of the people.
Define development aid?
Development aid is long-term programs to support the general development of a country and improve heath and wellbeing. For example, in 1950 the Australian government issued $100 000 grants to Papua New Guinea. AusAID now known as Australian Aid contributed medical care is the form of vaccinations and development programs contributing to education and infrastructure in Vietnam. However, when the Abbott Government was elected in 2013 $650 million from Australian foreign aid was cut.
What is protecting social cohesion through anti-discrimination laws?
Discrimination is the the unfair, biased or prejudicial treatment of a person based on a personal characteristic such as race, gender, religion, ability or age. Federal and State Government have introduced laws against discrimination including Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Age Discrimination Act 2004 and state legislation of equal opportunity. Individuals who feel discriminated against and can lodge a complaint to The Australian Human Rights Commission which is responsible for maintaining individual rights and social cohesion.
Define emergency aid?
Emergency aid is for humanitarian purposes in the case of natural disasters and other crises. For example, in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Indonesia the Australian government sent staff to organise hospitals and emergency response centres and months after pledged an aid package of $1 billion to the Indonesian government for longer term redevelopment projects.
Define federation?
Federation is the process through which the six separate Australian colonies joined to establish a federal parliament and the state parliaments. For example, Australia federated on the 1 January 1901.
Define first past the post voting?
First past the post voting occurs when the candidate receiving the largest number of votes in each constituency is elected to office. This system isn't a good indication of what the majority of of the public want and thus doesn't provide sovereignty of the people.
Define foreign aid?
Foreign aid is provided with the aim of improving the living standards and evening the global GDP in less developed countries. Foreign aid may be provided by governments or by independent bodies, such as NGOs.
What is resolving social cohesion through arbitration?
Imposes a legally binding decision. Independent third party. Adjudicator requires time to consider legal implications.
Define international sanctions?
International sanctions are economic, diplomatic or military actions or penalties imposed on a country by a group of other countries. For example, the UN Security Council is responsible for the organisation of peacekeeping missions, the imposition of inter international sanctions and the authorisation of military action. Australia has served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council five times in the history of the UN.
How is lawlessness a threat to social cohesion?
Lawlessness is not following and obeying the law that threatens social cohesion through freedom of assembly because the outbreak of racist violent riots marginalises individuals. For example, crunella riots.
What are negative examples of social cohesion?
Negative examples include: 1. On December 11 2005, riots occurred in Cronulla between Lebanese and AngloSaxon men due to a lack of lawlessness and increase in corruption. Violent and racist riots broke out damaging freedom of expression.
What is protecting social cohesion through the right to protest?
Not constitutionally stated but it is in the international covenant. Legal way for people to show dissatisfaction. E.g day of mourning, anti war demonstration and sorry day marches, Tasmanian dams, protests support same sex marriage, opposing G20 economic group
How is organised crime a threat to social cohesion?
Organise crime threats social cohesion through: 1. Criminal syndicates which are highly structured enterprises involving large scale elicit activity such as money laundering. 2. Outlaw motorcycle gangs involved in criminal activity such as Bandidos. 3. Professional facilitators is an industry professional or person with expertise employed by criminal organisations to undertake criminal activity and facilitate an agreement such as hackers.
What are positive examples of social cohesion?
Positive examples include: 1. Australian communities being culturally integrated with diverse cultures that developed and continued to exist. 2. The presence of churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious buildings. 3. The presence of a variety of cuisines.
Define preferential voting?
Preferential voting occurs when voters are required to number all candidates in preference. If one candidate does not receive an absolute majority of 50% plus one the preferences are distributed from the least preferred candidate. Preferential voting is used in the House of Representatives.
What is resolving social cohesion through meditation?
Promoting understanding between opposing parties to seek a prefered outcome. A third party acts to resolve disputes. When there is a lack of social cohesion, a peaceful resolution would be mediation.
Define proportional voting?
Proportional voting occurs when candidates are elected according to the quota or proportion of the vote achieved by the party. Proportional voting is used in the Senate.
Define social cohesion?
Social cohesion is a force of society that works towards the wellbeing of all members by fighting exclusion and marginalisation. Social cohesion promotes inclusion, creates a sense of belonging and promotes trust within communities.
Define sovereignty and sovereignty of the people?
Sovereignty is the supreme and absolute power of a nation. Sovereignty of the people is the Governments authority residing with the people through elected representatives. For example, in Australia, Britain and Japan sovereignty lies with the people.
Define Australian Constitution?
The Australian Constitution was adopted on the 1 January 1901 and is a set of fundamental principles according to which a nation or state is governed. For example, section 109 states the specific, exclusive, concurrent and residual powers and that the Federal government will legislate to the extent of an inconsistency. For example, immigration is specific and exclusive but marriage is concurrent.
Define House of Councillors in Japan?
The House of Councillors has 242 members.
Define House of Representatives in Japan?
The House of Representatives has 480 members and has the responsibility to pass legislation, control the budget and approve treaties with foreign powers. The House of Representatives takes precedence over the House of Councillors because if the upper house rejects a bill passed by the lower house, it becomes law if passed again by the lower house in a two-thirds vote.
Define House of Representatives in Australia?
The House of Representatives is referred to as the "People's House" because it is based on the Westminster system where Australian citizens can elect into parliament through preferential voting. There are 150 seats representing 150 electorates. One term is three years. Government is formed in the House of Representatives by the party that gains an absolute majority and the Prime Minister is the leader of the party with absolute majority. Bills commonly start in the House of Representatives because it is where Government is formed but specific bills like budget bills and supply bills must begin in the House of Representatives.
Define Japanese Constitution?
The Japanese Constitution was adopted on the 3 May 1947 in response to maintaining Japan as a peaceful and democratic country and is based on a set of fundamental principles including sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human rights and renunciation of war. The Japanese Constitution introduced the bicameral National Diet based on the Westminster System, specifies the separation of power and places the Emperor at the head of state to place sovereignty with the people. For example, Article 9 of the constitution states that Japan "forever renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation".
Define Senate in Australia?
The Senate is referred to as the "House of Review" because it reviews Bills passed by the House of Representatives and it is the "States House" because the Senate encouraged smaller states to federate with proportional representation. There are 76 seats and each state and territory has equal representation with 12 seats for states and 2 seats for the territories. One term is six years with half senate elections every three years. A friendly Senate occurs when Government holds the majority and Bills are passed. A hostile Senate occurs when the opposition has the majority so alternatives are explored. If Bills are not passed the Governor General may call a double desolation electron to dissolve both Houses of Parliament.
Define United Nations?
The United Nations is a multinational organisation meaning it describes a policy or program that involves three or more countries or parties. After World War II in 1945, 51 countries united including Australia under doctor HV Evatt to form a multilateral organisation with the goal of maintaining global peace and protecting the safety and rights of global citizens. Evatt lead the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and successfully lobbied for the power of the UN General Assembly to be increased.
Define Westminster System?
The Westminster System is the democratic parliamentary system based on the British system of parliament. For example, Australia, Britain and Japan follow the Westminster System.
Define division of powers in Australia?
The division of powers in Australia is the division of federal, state and local government to ensure sovereignty is divided.
Define executive arm in Japan?
The executive arm power lies with the Cabinet ministers and their ministries and lead by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the members of the House of Representatives. The executive arm is responsible for attending Diet sessions, dissolving the House of Representatives and calling for a general election.
Define executive arm in Australia?
The executive arm refers to Parliaments function to administer the legislation passed by parliament. For example, at federal level the power of the executive arm lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of ministers each with the responsibility of a portfolio. The Australian Government is formed by the party or coalition of parties with the support of a majority of members in the House of Representatives. At state level the power of the executive arm lies with the Premier and the Cabinet of ministers each with the responsibility of a portfolio.
Define federal government in Australia?
The federal government has the broad national power to adminster laws in relation to defence, immigration, foreign affairs, trade, postal services and taxation.
Define head of state in Australia?
The head of state in Australia is the crown. The crown is the Queens authority in Australian parliament represented by the Governor-General at federal level who is appointed for a term of five years and provides royal assent and the Governor at state level. For example, in Australia the Governor-General is Sir Peter Cosgrove and the Governor is Kerry Sanderson.
Define head of state in Japan?
The head of state in Japan is the Emperor. The Emperor appoints the Prime Minister who is first designated by the Diet, appoints the chief justice of the Supreme Court and enforces laws and treaties with the advice and approval of the cabinet.
Define judicial arm in Japan?
The judicial arm power lies with the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Family Courts and Summary Courts. The Supreme Court consists of one chief justice appointed by the Emperor and fourteen other justices appointed by the cabinet. The Supreme Court is responsible to interpret and apply the Constitution and declare laws passed by the National Diet as unconstitutional.
Define judicial arm in Australia?
The judicial arm refers to Parliaments function to make judgements, settle disputes and enforce the law through the use of courts with original and appellate jurisdiction. For example, at federal level the courts include Federal Courts, Family Courts and the High Court of Australia that interprets and applies the constitution and ensures the division of power follow specific, exclusive and concurrent roles. At state level the courts include the Supreme Court, District Court, Magistrates Court and Tribunals.
Define legislative arm in Japan?
The legislative arm power lies with the National Diet and comprises of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors. A Bill becomes a law when the Bill is submitted to the National Diet by the Cabinet or Law-maker and becomes a law when both houses approve.
Define legislative arm in Australia?
The legislative arm refers to Parliaments function to make new laws or remove existing ones. Laws are made by passing a Bill through the House of Representatives, the Senate and Royal Assent being given by the Governor-General to become an Act of Parliament. For example, at federal level the power of the legislative arm lies with is the Commonwealth Parliament that consists of the Crown, the Governor-General, the Senate and House of Representatives. At state level the power of the legislative arm consists of the Crown, the Governor, Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly.
Define local government in Australia?
The local government has the power defined by Acts of Parliament passed by state parliaments and include responsibility for building regulations, rubbish collection, local roads and pet control.
What is resolving conflict through negotiation?
The opposing parties dealing directly with each other through meetings. Parties list there préfèred outcomes then actual negotiation takes place
Define separation of powers in Australia?
The separation of powers in Australia is the division of Government into the legislative, executive and judicial arms. The separation of powers provides a series of checks and balances that prevents excessive concentration of power.
Define separation of powers in Japan?
The separation of powers in Japan is the division of Government into the legislative, executive and judicial arms. The separation of powers provides a series of checks and balances that prevents excessive concentration of power.
Define state government in Australia?
The state government has the power to look after laws not covered by the federal government. For example, hospitals, schools, police and housing services.