Australia's system of government is described as a parliamentary democracy. In this system, how do citizens ensure that their opinions and interests are represented when new laws are being created?
- By electing people to represent them in the Australian Parliament to debate and pass laws.Answer
- BBy voting directly on every single law and policy change proposed by the government in a weekly national poll.
- CBy allowing the Governor-General to select community leaders to make all legislative decisions without an election.
Answer
Citizens in a parliamentary democracy participate by electing representatives to the Parliament who make laws and decisions on their behalf.
The correct answer correctly describes the representative nature of Australia's democracy. In a parliamentary democracy, the citizens exercise their power by voting for representatives (Members of Parliament and Senators) who then have the authority to make laws and represent the interests of the people in the governing process.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The mechanism of representation in a parliamentary democracy.
Hints
1
Think about what happens during a federal election in Australia.
2
In this system, citizens don't make the laws themselves; they choose people to do it for them.
3
The word 'parliamentary' refers to the group of elected officials who gather to discuss and pass legislation.
Practice More
Review the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate to see how these elected representatives work together.
Estimated Time:45s