12.9.2
Key terms
balance of power when minority parties/independents inþuence government decisions bicameral a parliament with two houses Cabinet the top-level decision-making group within the Australian Government made up of most or all ministers constitution a set of rules that determines the structure of government and its law-making powers convention an unwritten rule, not a law; an accepted way of doing something democracy a political system where citizens elect representatives to govern and make laws on their behalf, with key freedoms protected including speech, association, assembly, religion and movement direct action peaceful public activities to create change electoral system the process for conducting elections and choosing representatives Federation when separate states or colonies join to form one united country, sharing law-making power between the national and state governments
interest group an organisation focused on speciýc issues or community needs judiciary a collective name given to the judges who preside over law courts legislation a term used to describe laws passed by parliament
lobby group an organisation that tries to inþuence government decisions referendum a process of allowing the people to vote on an important issue repeal removing a law so that it no longer applies rights the freedoms and protections guaranteed to all citizens in a democracy, including the right to vote, participate in government decisions, express opinions and be treated equally under the law royal assent the formal approval by the monarch’s representative, and the ýnal step necessary before a law comes into force speciýc powers areas that the federal government controls under the Constitution unicameral a parliament with only one house Westminster system based on the British Parliament and used by many countries, including Australia; named after the Palace of Westminster, where the British Parliament meets
12.9.3 Reþection Complete the following to reþect on your learning.
Revisit the inquiry question posed in the Overview: How does Australia’s democracy function for all citizens, and how can citizens get involved? 1. Now that you’ve ýnished this topic, what do you think? Talk with a partner. Has what you learned changed your opinion? If yes, how? 2. Write a paragraph in response to the inquiry question outlining your views.
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472 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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