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Civics and Citizenship - Coggle Diagram
Civics and Citizenship
Civics and Citizenship Concepts
Justice
The key features of the WA and Australia legal systems are designed the deliver justice to all.
Eg. The right to a fair trial, legal representation, unbiased juries
People should treat each other in a manner that is fair and balanced for all.
Participation
One of the most important ways we can participate in a democracy by voting in an election.
Governments can also give citizens the opportunity to participate in important decisions outside of elections and referendums.
Good citizens contribute or take part in society through activities such as voting in an election or referendum, serving on a jury, or paying taxes.
Democratic Values
Equality
Rights and privileges for all, without discriminations based on gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or level of education. All citizens have the right to the same opportunities.
Fairness
All people are treated fairly, or without injustice, and are given an equal opportunity. Also known as a ‘fair go’ in Australia.
Respect
Treating others with consideration and valuing their views, beliefs, and rights.
Freedom
Rights, privileges, and responsibilities for all without interference, or control from other citizens or government.
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights
The right to trial by jury
The right to freedom of religion
Protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms
Protection against discrimination
The right to vote
Responsibilities
Jury service
Pay taxes
Voting in elections
Obeying the law
Refers to our entitlements and duties as citizens
Democracy
People have the power to determine how they will be ruled or managed
Representative Democracy
Representatives are elected to make laws on our behalf
A system of government run by the people, for the people
Citizens over the age of 18 are required to vote in state and federal elections. It is optional to vote in local elections.
The Westminster System
A Sovereign (such as the 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.
In Australia our federal and state government are modelled on the Westminster system.
A Parliament
Consisting of two chambers or houses, that is elected by the people to make laws on their behalf.
The Role of the Government
A federal system means that the nation is divided into states, each of which has its own parliament that is responsible for making laws for the residents in that state
There is also one central or federal parliament, which has the power to make laws that apply to the entire country
A federal system of government
Principles of Australia's System of Government
Governments must make laws that reflect the views and values of the people
This is achieved through free and fair elections
Australia is one of the few countries that has compulsory voting
Representative Gvernment
Parliaments must make laws that reflect the views, values, and moral standards of the people
Governments must be accountable to the people
This is achieved through parliamentary question time and emailing or visiting your local member’s office
Any member of government who acts in a dishonourable manner has a duty to resign from their position
Responsible Government
Government must be accountable to the people
This means that the governments must be able to justify their actions and decisions to the voters
Governments must protect the rights and freedoms of individuals
Liberal Democracy
Aims to protect individual rights and freedoms, and place limits on the level of government control or interference
We have laws that:
Protect our basic right to freedom of assembly and expression
Limit individuals from behaving in an offensive or indecent manner in public
Protect our broad right to freedom of speech
There must be separation of powers
Separation of powers
No single group or body within our parliamentary system has power over both the political and legal systems
Three main powers at federal level consist of:
Legislative Power
The power to make the law; held by parliament
Judiciary Power
The power to apply and interpret the law; held by the courts and allows them to enforce the law and settle disputes
Executive Power
The power to administer or implement the law; held by the Governor General and the PM and senior ministers
Our governments must not abuse or make laws beyond their power
Principles of Australia’s System of Government
There must be separation of powers
The three powers are separated in the Australian Constitution. In practice, the legislature and the executive are combined
The judiciary remains independent
Our judges resolve disputes without outside influence and can remain impartial.
The courts can act as a checking system and makes sure that the government does not make any laws beyond its power.
The parliament have the power to make and administer the laws, but they don’t have the power to apply and interpret the law. The courts do this.
Australia’s Commonwealth Parliament
The History of Australia’s System of Government
Upon arrival in Australia, the British:
Imposed their own laws and legal systems
Began developing a system of government whereby each of the colonies, now called states, was able to establish its own parliament
The parliaments each followed the British parliamentary model called the Westminster system. Each parliament consisted of:
The lower house
The English monarch or 'Crown'
The upper house
As Australia grew throughout the 1800’s, it became increasingly obvious that a central parliament was needed to make consistent laws that could apply to and benefit the entire country.
Problem began to arise. These included:
Constraints on inter-colony trade, due to the colonies having:
Different postage stamps
Different taxis, or tariffs
Different railway systems
Defence concerns:
There was no uniform defence force capable of protecting the entire country
Concern was growing over the arrival of non-British immigrants and the lack of immigration policy
Each colony had its own independent army
The six colonies began to discuss to consider which laws would be best made by a central parliament
The six colonies began to discuss to consider which laws would be best made by a central parliament
The central
