Democracy

By Jessica C


Democracy is a political system where we can replace the government through free and fair elections. Every Australian citizen has the right to have a say and voice there opinion.

HOW DOES AN ELECTION WORK IN A DEMOCRACY?
In a democracy the government keeps a list of all the citizens over 18. The government divides the list up into all the areas people live in. This list is known as an electoral commission. Each party then chooses a candidate to represent them. The candidate will then campaign to let everyone know why they should be elected and why the opposition should not. A day is set and the election is held.

People usually go to a public place near their home like a town hall or a public school and vote for the candidate they think would make a difference. You have the choice to vote above or below the line. If you vote above the line you will just need to put a 1 next to your favourite candidate. If you vote below the line you have to number your favourite candidates in the order of your choice. This is called a secret ballot paper used in the democracy form of government.

HOW ARE LAWS MADE?
Before legislation becomes a law it is known as a bill. A bill is a proposal to make a new law or change an existing one. Our Australian system of law is based on the process made in England known as the Westminster
The process of a law:

FIRST STAGE- The title of the bill is read and copies are made for members of parliament to read.

SECOND STAGE- the member who introduced the bill explains the purpose of it. At this stage members have permission for a further explanation of the bill e.g. its costs and all the arrangements that need to be made. Also amendments are necessary to improve the bill. Members are then asked to vote for it to be passed on to the third stage.

THIRD STAGE- During the third reading members will vote on the bill. If the bill is passed it moves on to the next house for consideration.

In the other house the bill goes through those three stages once again. The bill is then presented to the state governor or governor-general. It is there responsibility to approve or disapprove the new law, which means getting the Queens definite approval. The bill will then become a law on the day it is approved.




STRUCTURE

Our Australian parliament consists of:

1. The Queen (represented by the prime minister)

2. And the two houses of parliament the senate (upper house)
And the house of Representatives (lower house)

These three elements help make Australia a better parliament of democracy. This structure of government is known as a bicameral system because it is made up of two houses- the upper house and the lower house.
RESPONSIBILITES


These are the responsibilities of our government:

Federal Government- Social security, Industrial relations trade, foreign affairs, immigration, currency and defence.


State and Territory Government- Justice, consumer affairs, health education,forestry, public transport, main roads.


Local Government- local road maintenance, garbage collection, building regulations, land subdivisions, public health and recreation facilities.




INTERESTING FACTS AND HISTORY

Did you know?

1. Parliament is a place where issues facing the nation are discussed and laws are made.

2. The government is the political party with the majority of members in the House of Representatives.

3. The first woman to be elected to the federal parliament was Edith Lyons.

4. Australian citizens have a say in what happens in the politics and civic life.


BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Google- what is a democracy?

2. Google- how does an election work?

3. www.skwirk.com

4. www.wikkianswers.com

5. Google- Australian parliamentary system

6. www.aec.gov.au


WRITTEN BY JESSICA CORTIS ☺☺☺