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Civics and Citizenship - Year 7 image (Key concepts (Democratic values,…
Civics and Citizenship - Year 7
Key concepts
Democratic values
Democracy
Westminster
Justice
Participation
Rights and Responsibilities
The Australian Contitution
Came into effect 01/01/1901
Is a book of rules and laws that explain how our country is to be run
Contains 8 chapters and 128 sections
Can be changed by a referendum
Examples of Australian referendums
1967 - Occurred on 27th of May, 1967. Asked the Australian public to consider two questions. Allowed for discrimination to be removed from the Constitution. Allowed for Aboriginal people to be counted in the Census. Was won by over 90% of the population voting 'yes'.
1999 - Occurred on 6th of November 1999. The proposed change meant that if successful Australia would be become a Republic. This means that the Queen (monarch) and Governor-General would be replaced with an elected President. This referendum failed as it did not achieve a 'double majority'. This means that the referendum did not achieve at least 4/6 voting yes, as well as, over 50% of the national vote.
Sets out the Separation of Powers (The Parliament, Executive and Judiciary) to ensure that not one group has all the power
Sets out the Monarch as our Head of State - In Australia the Monarch is represented by the Governor- General
The Three Levels of Government
State
Looks after roads, education, electricity
Local
Looks after parks, playgrounds, animal control
Federal
Looks after defence, marriage and immigration
Australia's Parliament (Bicameral = 2 houses)
Upper House - Senate (76 members)
Furnished in red
Lower House - House of Representative (150 members)
Furnished in green
Australia's Democratic values
Equality
Freedom
Respect
Fairness
Ways that we can participate in Australia's Democracy
Voting
Serving on a jury
Paying taxes
Western Australian Parliament
Legislative Council (36 members)
Legislative Assembly (59 members)
The Westminster System -A parliamentary system that developed in the United Kingdom
Australia borrowed ideas of this system when we set up our own Parliament
Monarch as our Head of State
2 houses (chambers) bicameral parliament
A head of government (Prime Minister) who leads the majority of representatives in the lower house
The role of Parliaments
• Represent the views of Australian citizens
• Review proposed laws (Bills)
• Make new laws
