In Australia's system of parliamentary democracy, the authority to make laws is exercised by representatives elected by the people. Which of the following best describes the accountability of these representatives if they pass a law that is unpopular with the majority of citizens?
- The representatives retain the authority to make laws, and citizens exercise their political power by choosing different representatives at the next election.Answer
- BThe law must be immediately withdrawn and submitted to a public vote if a significant number of citizens sign a petition against it.
- CThe Governor-General is required to dismiss the Parliament and call an immediate election whenever the government passes a law that lacks majority public support.
Answer
The representatives retain the authority to make laws, and citizens exercise their political power by choosing different representatives at the next election.
In a parliamentary democracy, the people are the source of political power, but they delegate the authority to make laws to elected representatives. These representatives are held accountable for their decisions—even unpopular ones—through the electoral process, where citizens can choose to re-elect them or vote for someone else.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Representative Accountability in Parliamentary Democracy
Hints
1
Think about how often Australians vote in federal elections and what happens to the government during that time.
2
Australia uses a 'representative' system. Does this mean the people make every single decision, or do they choose people to make decisions for them?
Practice More
Review the difference between the role of the Parliament (making laws) and the role of the people in the electoral cycle.
Estimated Time:1m 30s