In Australia’s system of parliamentary democracy, the people are the source of all political power, but they elect representatives to make laws on their behalf. If the citizens believe that their elected representatives are no longer acting in the best interests of the community, which mechanism best describes how the people exercise their ultimate power to hold the government accountable?
- Citizens choose their representatives at regular elections, where they can vote for different candidates if they are dissatisfied with the current government.Answer
- BCitizens have the legal right to directly veto any specific law passed by Parliament by signing a national petition of disapproval.
- CThe Governor-General is required to automatically dismiss the Parliament whenever a majority of citizens express dissatisfaction in a public opinion poll.
Answer
Citizens exercise their ultimate power by holding representatives accountable at regular elections, where they can choose to vote for different candidates.
In a parliamentary democracy, while the people are the source of power, they exercise that power by electing representatives. The primary way to hold these representatives accountable is through regular elections, where the citizens can judge the performance of the government and choose whether to re-elect them or vote for someone else.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The principle of accountability through representative elections.
Hints
1
Think about what happens every few years when Australians go to polling booths.
2
Consider the difference between people making laws themselves and people choosing who makes the laws.
Practice More
Review the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the law-making process.
Estimated Time:1m 30s