In Australia's parliamentary democracy, the citizens are considered the source of all political power. However, citizens do not usually meet to make the laws themselves. How is this power to make laws actually put into practice?
- Citizens elect representatives to sit in parliament and make decisions on their behalf.Answer
- BThe government must hold a national vote (referendum) to approve every new piece of legislation.
- CPower is given to the leaders of major social and religious groups to make laws for their members.
Answer
In Australia, citizens exercise their political power by electing representatives who make laws and decisions on their behalf in the parliament.
The correct answer is correct because a parliamentary democracy relies on the principle of representation. Since millions of citizens cannot meet daily to discuss and pass legislation, they delegate this authority to members of parliament whom they choose during elections.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Representative Governance in Parliamentary Democracy
Hints
1
Think about what happens during a federal election.
2
Do you vote for a law, or do you vote for a person to represent your area?
3
The word 'parliamentary' suggests that the parliament (made up of representatives) is where the action of making laws happens.
Practice More
Review the section on how often federal elections are held to see how representatives are kept accountable.
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