Civics & Citizenship
6 key concepts of civics & citizenship
Three levels of government
the Seperation of powers
The Australian constitution
democracy
democratic values
justice
participation
the westminster system
Local
State
Federal
The Australian constitution is a written document that sets out the rules
Legislature
Executive
Judiciary
A democracy is a system of government run by the people, for the people.
In most democratic societies, citizens are involved in the running of society by electing people who will represent them in government.
Democratic values are the beliefs and ideals that are held by our society as a democracy.
Such as respect fairness equality and freedom.
The Westminster system is a form of parliamentary government originating in the United Kingdom.
The upper house and lower house that has been elected by the people.
A head of government (Prime minister),and the head of state the Queen.
The concept of justice can have many different definitions. The idea of justice can mean different things to people
For some it might mean payback, while for others it might mean fairness.
justice in Australia ultimately means that people should treat each other in a manner that is fair and balanced.
The concept of participation is an important part of living in a democracy.
It refers to the way good citizens contribute to or take part in society. In Australia
we participate in the running of society in a number of ways
such as by voting in an election or referendum, serving on a jury or paying taxes.
Rights and responsibilities
Between 1890 and 1900, the document was worked on by many people, from politicians and lawyers to ordinary people.
The constitution first came into effect on 1 January 1901 when the six British colonies of Australia finally united, or federated, to form one nation
The federal government of Australia makes laws for the entire country.
It has many responsibilities, including developing good relationships with other countries, defending the nation, and dealing with issues such as immigration or the environment
The leader of the federal government is known as the prime minister
Laws made by the state or territory governments only apply to people in that state.
For example, the state government of Western Australia cannot make laws for people living in Queensland and vice versa.
The states have their own constitution If something in a state’s constitution conflicted with a federal law, then the federal law would overrule it.
We have over 560 local governments, or councils, in Australia.
councils make rules for the local community, known as by-laws
These by-laws can cover local parks, parking, garbage collection, and many other features of a local community
The legislature is responsible for creating the law.
The legislature is made up of the two houses of parliament
the Senate (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house).
The rights and responsibilities we experience in Australia are an important part of living in a democracy.
Our rights ensure we are able to have a say in the way our country is run and are treated fairly
our civic responsibilities ensure we contribute to our society in order to keep it going as a strong democracy.
It is considered as the ‘birth certificate’ of our nation.
The executive is responsible for approving laws and putting them into action.
It is made up of the prime minister, ministers and the governor-general who is the queen’s representative in Australia.
The prime minister chooses the ministers who are commissioned by the governor-general to be part of the executive and implement that law.
The role of the judiciary system is to make rulings or judgments about the law.
It is made up of the High Court and other federal courts.
In Australia there are four main federal courts where laws can be enforced. They are the:
High court, federal court,family court.
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