CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP
DEMOCRACY
A system the government uses for the people
People have the power to determine how they will be ruled or managed
Representative democracy - elected to make laws on our behalf
Direct democracy - citizens meeting together to make laws for their society
Citizens over 18 are required to vote in state and federal elections. It is optional to vote in local elections
DEMOCRATIC VALUES
Respect - treating others with consideration and valuing their views, beliefs and rights
Equality - rights and privileges for everyone without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age or level of education. All people have the right to the same opportunities.
Fairness - Everyone is treated fairly and given an equal opportunity.
Freedom - rights and responsibilities for everyone
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Rights - the right to vote / protection against unjust / the right to trial by jury / the right to freedom of religion / protection against discrimination
Responsibilities - Voting in elections / jury service / pay taxes / obeying the law
FREEDOMS
Freedom of religion - the right to believe in or practice whatever religion you want.
Freedom of speech - allows a person to actively participate in democracy by voicing their opinions publicly within the boundaries of the law
Freedom of assembly - to freely gather peacefully
Freedom of movement - to be able to move freely between states or regions within their own country. The right to leave the country or re-enter without interference from the government
Freedom of association - the right to join or create a group as long as the activities are legal
Civil law - deals with disputes between people and companies usually involving compensation. It is not dealt with by the police
Criminal Law - deals with crimes and legal punishment
LAWS
Laws protect our general safety and our rights as citizens against abuse by other people, companies and the government .
VALUES - are the beliefs, ideals and behaviours that we consider important.