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Difficulty: MediumThe Rule of Law

The 'rule of law' is a fundamental democratic value in Australia that ensures a fair and stable society. Which of the following is a requirement of this principle?

  1. Every person, including those in high positions of power and the government itself, must obey the law.Answer
  2. B
    Specific groups, such as religious or community leaders, are exempt from following certain Australian laws.
  3. C
    The laws of Australia only apply to those who have obtained Australian citizenship.

Answer

The requirement that every person, including those in high positions of power and the government itself, must obey the law is a core part of the rule of law.
The correct answer is that every person, including the government and those in power, must obey the law. This ensures that society is governed by rules rather than the arbitrary decisions of individuals, and it guarantees that everyone is held accountable to the same standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary meaning of the 'rule of law' in a democratic context.
The rule of law means that all people are subject to the same legal standards and that authority must be exercised according to written laws.
This establishes the boundary that no individual has arbitrary power.
2
Determine who is included in this legal requirement.
The principle includes citizens, visitors, religious leaders, wealthy individuals, and the government itself.
Equality under the law requires that no status or position grants immunity from the law.
3
Evaluate the options based on the principle of universal application.
The option stating that everyone, including the government, must obey the law is the only choice that reflects this principle.
Other choices suggest exceptions based on status or citizenship, which contradicts the rule of law.

Key Concept

The Rule of Law

Hints

1
Think about whether anyone in Australia is 'above' the law.
2
The rule of law focuses on equality and the idea that laws apply to everyone, regardless of their job or where they come from.
3
Does the government have to follow the same rules it makes for everyone else?

Practice More

Review the section on 'Democratic Beliefs and Values' to see how the rule of law relates to 'Parliamentary Democracy'.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

The Rule of Law

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