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Democratic Beliefs and Values

76 questions

Question 61Question →

Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy. In this system, how are the representatives who make decisions and laws for the country chosen?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: They are elected by Australian citizens through voting in elections.

Answer

In Australia's parliamentary democracy, representatives are chosen by the citizens through the process of voting in elections.
In a parliamentary democracy, the citizens of the country hold the ultimate power. They exercise this power by voting for candidates during elections. The individuals who receive the most votes in their respective areas become representatives in Parliament, where they debate and pass laws on behalf of the people who elected them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core meaning of 'parliamentary democracy'.
A system where the people (citizens) hold the power to choose who represents them in the law-making body (Parliament).
Understanding the definition is the first step in identifying how the system functions.
2
Examine the methods of selection for these representatives.
Representatives are not appointed by leaders or the military; they must be chosen by the public.
Distinguishing between democratic election and appointment processes clarifies the role of the citizen.
3
Conclude the specific mechanism used in Australia.
Voting in federal and state elections is the method by which citizens select their representatives.
This confirms the practical application of democratic beliefs in the Australian context.

Key Concept

The authority of the Australian government comes from its citizens because they elect the representatives who make laws.

Hints

1
Think about what the word 'democracy' means regarding who holds the power.
2
Consider the role you would play as an Australian citizen during a federal election.
3
Parliamentary democracy relies on 'representatives' who are chosen by the people through a ballot box.

Practice More

Review the responsibilities of citizenship, such as the requirement for adult citizens to vote in elections.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 62Question →

The 'rule of law' is a core value that helps keep Australian society stable and fair. What does this principle require regarding the application of the law to different people in the community?

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Answer: All people must obey the law equally, regardless of their status or background.

Answer

All people must obey the law equally, regardless of their status or background.
The correct answer reflects the fundamental democratic belief that the law is the highest authority. This means all people are equal under the law and must obey it, ensuring that justice is applied fairly to everyone regardless of their wealth, status, or position in the community.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core meaning of the 'rule of law' in the Australian context.
It is the principle that everyone is equal under the law.
This principle ensures that the legal system is fair and that no person or group is above the law.
2
Determine who is required to obey Australian laws based on this principle.
Every person in Australia, including government leaders, wealthy individuals, and visitors, must obey the law.
Universal application of the law is necessary to maintain a stable and predictable society.

Key Concept

Equality under the law

Hints

1
Think about whether anyone in Australia has special permission to break the law because of their job or status.
2
The 'rule of law' means that everyone is 'equal under the law'.

Practice More

Review the section on 'Equality under the law' to see how this principle applies to government ministers and community leaders.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 63Question →

In the context of Australian democratic beliefs and values, the concept of 'mateship' is often seen when citizens volunteer to support those affected by natural disasters or personal hardship. Which of the following best describes how this value contributes to the Australian community?

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Answer: It fosters a voluntary spirit of compassion and mutual assistance that helps to support and unify the community in times of need.

Answer

Mateship contributes to the Australian community by fostering a voluntary spirit of compassion and mutual assistance that helps support and unify everyone during difficult times.
The correct answer is right because mateship is a voluntary social value where citizens choose to help others out of compassion. It is not a legal mandate, nor is it limited to private friendships; rather, it is a community-wide bond that unifies the nation during hardships like floods or bushfires.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core definition of 'mateship' in the Australian context.
Mateship is more than friendship; it is a national value centered on compassion and looking after one another.
This establishes the scope of the concept being tested.
2
Differentiate between voluntary values and legal or economic guarantees.
Mateship is a voluntary tradition, whereas 'equality of wealth' is not an Australian democratic principle.
This eliminates the misconception that mateship relates to government-guaranteed financial outcomes.
3
Distinguish between community-wide values and individual social bonds.
Mateship applies to the broader community, including strangers in need, not just personal friends.
This clarifies the unique Australian application of the term.

Key Concept

Compassion for Those in Need (Mateship)

Hints

1
Think about whether 'mateship' is something people are forced to do by law or something they choose to do.
2
Consider if 'mateship' only applies to your best friends, or if it explains why Australians help strangers during a bushfire.
3
Remember that 'mateship' is about compassion and community support, which is different from 'equality of opportunity' (a fair go).

Practice More

Review the section on 'Equality of Opportunity' to better distinguish between 'a fair go' and 'mateship.'
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 64Question →

In Australia, people are free to express their ideas and criticize the government through speech and writing. Which of the following statements correctly identifies a key limitation to this freedom?

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Answer: Freedom of speech does not allow people to incite violence against others or break laws such as those concerning defamation.

Answer

The freedom of speech and expression in Australia does not allow people to incite violence against others or break laws such as those concerning defamation.
The correct answer is that freedom of speech does not allow inciting violence or breaking laws like defamation. While Australians are encouraged to share and discuss ideas openly, these rights are balanced by the legal requirement to maintain a peaceful society and respect the rights and reputations of others.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core principle of freedom of speech in Australia.
Australians are free to say and write what they think, including criticizing the government.
This is a fundamental democratic value in Australia.
2
Evaluate whether this freedom has any legal boundaries.
Yes, all freedoms in Australia are subject to the rule of law to protect the rights and safety of all citizens.
Democratic rights must be balanced with the responsibility to respect the rights of others.
3
Determine the specific limitations mentioned in the Australian citizenship context.
Freedom of speech does not permit inciting violence or breaking laws like defamation (damaging someone's reputation).
These limitations prevent the misuse of freedom to cause harm or social disorder.

Key Concept

Freedom of Speech and Expression with Legal Limits

Hints

1
Think about whether a person can legally say something that causes physical harm or encourages others to fight.
2
Consider the difference between having an opinion and using that opinion to break a law like defamation.

Practice More

Review the 'Rule of Law' concept to see how it ensures that everyone, including those exercising free speech, must follow the same legal standards.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 65Question →

Australia is a peaceful and stable society where individuals are encouraged to resolve disagreements through established democratic channels. According to the value of 'Living Peacefully', what is the appropriate way for groups to seek changes to the law or government policy?

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Answer: Through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process.

Answer

The appropriate way to seek change is through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process.
In Australia, the value of 'Living Peacefully' describes a society where change is sought through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process. This approach ensures that the law is respected and that conflicts are resolved without resorting to violence or intimidation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core Australian value regarding societal stability.
The value is 'Living Peacefully', which promotes stability and the rejection of violence.
This establishes the behavioral framework required in Australian society.
2
Evaluate the acceptable methods for expressing disagreement or seeking change.
Acceptable methods include talking, persuading others, and using democratic tools like voting or contacting representatives.
This aligns the scenario with specific citizenship principles found in the 'Common Bond' handbook.
3
Eliminate options that involve force, coercion, or the suppression of different opinions.
Options involving physical force or silencing others are identified as contrary to a peaceful democracy.
This ensures the final selection strictly adheres to the principle of non-violent democratic participation.

Key Concept

Change in Australia is achieved through peaceful, democratic engagement rather than violence or coercion.

Hints

1
Consider if Australia prefers resolving issues through talking or through physical conflict.
2
Look for terms associated with the democratic process, such as 'persuasion' and 'discussion'.

Practice More

Review how the 'Rule of Law' also supports a peaceful society by ensuring everyone obeys the same rules.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 66Question →

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?

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Answer: The representatives retain the authority to make laws, and citizens exercise their political power by choosing different representatives at the next election.

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

1
Identify the type of democracy described.
The system is a parliamentary (representative) democracy.
In Australia, the people do not vote on every law directly but elect representatives to do so on their behalf.
2
Analyze how power is delegated and retrieved.
Political power is delegated to representatives for the duration of their term.
This allows for stable government while maintaining the principle that the people are the source of power.
3
Determine the mechanism for accountability.
Accountability occurs through regular, compulsory elections.
If citizens are unhappy with the decisions made by their representatives, they can vote for different candidates in the next election to change the direction of the government.

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
Question 67Question →

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?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Citizens elect representatives to sit in parliament and make decisions on their behalf.

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

1
Identify the source of power in the Australian system.
The people (citizens) are the source of all political power.
This is the fundamental principle of democracy.
2
Determine how that power is delegated for the purpose of law-making.
Citizens do not vote on every law; instead, they vote for representatives.
Australia is a 'parliamentary' democracy, meaning the parliament (composed of elected members) is the central law-making body.
3
Identify the role of these elected representatives.
The representatives debate, vote on, and pass laws in the parliament.
They act as the voice of the people who elected them.

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.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 68Question →

Australia’s democratic society is built on the understanding that people may choose to live according to different values and traditions. If a citizen disagrees with the religious choices or political views of another person, what does the principle of mutual respect and tolerance require of them?

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Answer: To recognize the right of others to hold different views and to interact with everyone with dignity, even when opinions do not align.

Answer

The principle of mutual respect and tolerance requires individuals to recognize the right of others to hold different views and to interact with everyone with dignity, even when opinions do not align.
The correct answer is correct because mutual respect and tolerance involve accepting that Australia is a diverse society where people have the right to different religious and political views. It emphasizes that even when we do not agree with someone's choices, we must still treat them with dignity as fellow members of the community.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core meaning of 'mutual respect and tolerance' in the context of the Australian Citizenship Test.
It means that while we may disagree, we must treat others with dignity.
This value ensures a peaceful and cohesive society despite diverse backgrounds.
2
Evaluate the requirement for 'agreement' versus 'respect'.
Respect is mandatory; agreement is not.
Australian democracy protects the freedom of thought and belief for all citizens.

Key Concept

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Hints

1
Think about whether you need to like or agree with someone's religion to treat them fairly.
2
Tolerance is about allowing others to have their own space and beliefs, even if they are very different from yours.

Practice More

Review how the principle of the 'Rule of Law' supports the idea that no one can be treated poorly because of their beliefs.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 69Question →

In Australia, people have the freedom to hold their own religious or political views and follow different ways of life. If you encounter someone in your community whose beliefs are very different from your own, what behavior is expected of you as a member of a tolerant society?

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Answer: You should treat them with dignity and respect, even if you do not agree with their beliefs.

Answer

You should treat them with dignity and respect, even if you do not agree with their beliefs.
The correct answer reflects the Australian value that mutual respect and tolerance are required to live peacefully in a diverse society. It acknowledges that while people may hold very different views, they are still expected to treat one another with dignity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the situation described in the question.
The scenario involves encountering people with different beliefs or ways of life in a diverse society.
Understanding the context of diversity is the first step in applying Australian values.
2
Apply the Australian value of 'Mutual Respect and Tolerance'.
This value dictates that while we may disagree, we must treat everyone with dignity.
This is a fundamental principle that allows a diverse society to live together peacefully.
3
Distinguish between 'respect' and 'agreement'.
Respecting someone's right to their opinion does not mean you have to agree with or adopt that opinion.
This distinction is crucial to maintaining personal freedom while ensuring social harmony.

Key Concept

Mutual respect and tolerance allow people with different views to live together peacefully without needing to agree on everything.

Hints

1
Think about how people with different opinions can live together without fighting.
2
Does showing respect mean you have to change your mind about what you believe?

Practice More

Review the section on 'Freedom of Speech' to see how it relates to respecting different opinions.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 70Question →

The Australian value of 'mateship' is defined by having 'compassion for those in need.' Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how this value is typically expressed in Australian society?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Community members and strangers coming together voluntarily to help people rebuild their lives after a major bushfire or flood.

Answer

The correct answer is the scenario where community members and strangers come together voluntarily to help others rebuild after a natural disaster.
The scenario involving community members helping after a natural disaster is the correct answer because it demonstrates the voluntary, informal, and compassionate nature of mateship. It shows Australians 'looking after each other' during significant hardship, which is the core of the value as taught for the citizenship test.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core meaning of 'mateship' in the Australian context.
Mateship refers to compassion for those in need and the tradition of helping others, especially during hardship.
The citizenship test specifically links mateship to the concept of 'compassion for those in need' rather than just personal friendship.
2
Evaluate the options based on the distinction between informal values and legal duties.
Volunteering during a disaster is a voluntary expression of compassion; voting and paying taxes are legal requirements.
Mateship is a democratic belief/value, not a law or a mandatory responsibility like voting.
3
Distinguish between private social bonds and the broader community value.
While friendship is part of life, 'mateship' in this context implies a wider community spirit of support for anyone in trouble.
Restricting support only to close friends does not capture the 'compassion for those in need' aspect of the national value.

Key Concept

Mateship as Voluntary Compassion

Hints

1
Think about whether 'mateship' is something you are legally required to do or something you choose to do to help others.
2
In the citizenship context, mateship is often described as 'compassion for those in need.' Does a private dinner party fit that description?
3
Look for the answer that involves volunteering or informal support during a crisis like a flood or fire.

Practice More

Review the section on 'Democratic Beliefs and Values' to see how mateship relates to 'a fair go' and 'mutual respect'.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 71Question →

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?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Citizens choose their representatives at regular elections, where they can vote for different candidates if they are dissatisfied with the current government.

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

1
Identify the source of power in Australia.
The people are the source of all political power.
This is a fundamental principle of Australian parliamentary democracy.
2
Determine how this power is delegated.
Citizens elect representatives to sit in Parliament and make laws.
It is not practical for millions of people to meet daily to make every law themselves.
3
Analyze the mechanism of accountability.
Representatives must face the voters at regular elections.
Elections ensure that if representatives fail to act in the public interest, they can be replaced by the people.

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
Question 72Question →

In Australia, the 'rule of law' is a fundamental democratic principle that ensures a fair and stable society. If a situation arises where an individual's religious or cultural practices happen to conflict with an established Australian law, which of the following best describes how the 'rule of law' applies?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: All people in Australia must obey the law, as the rule of law means that no individual or group is exempt based on their background or beliefs.

Answer

All people in Australia must obey the law, as the rule of law means that no individual or group is exempt from the law based on their background or beliefs.
The correct answer is that all people must obey the law regardless of their background. This is the essence of the rule of law: it ensures that laws apply consistently and fairly to every person in Australia, ensuring that no one—not even those with high status or strong personal beliefs—is above the legal requirements of the nation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the core principle of the 'rule of law' in the Australian context.
The rule of law means that all people are equal under the law and no one is above it.
This is the foundational definition required to solve the problem.
2
Evaluate how this principle applies to different groups, such as religious or cultural communities.
No person or group is exempt from the law, including religious leaders, government officials, or cultural groups.
The rule of law ensures that there are no 'special' classes of people who do not have to follow the rules.
3
Determine the outcome when personal practices conflict with the law.
The law takes precedence and must be followed by everyone equally.
Equality before the law would be impossible if individuals could choose which laws to follow based on personal beliefs.

Key Concept

Universal Equality and the Absence of Exemptions under the Law

Hints

1
Think about whether 'equality under the law' allows for any groups to have different rules.
2
The 'rule of law' applies to everyone, including those in power and those with strong personal traditions.
3
In Australia, no personal belief or leader's permission can make it legal to break a national law.

Practice More

Review how the rule of law also applies to the police and government officials to see the full scope of legal accountability.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 73Question →

The 'rule of law' is a core value of Australian democracy. What does this principle require of all people living in Australia?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Everyone must obey the law, including community, religious, and government leaders.

Answer

Everyone must obey the law, including community, religious, and government leaders.
The correct answer identifies that the rule of law means everyone is equal and must obey the law. This includes all individuals, from ordinary citizens to the highest-ranking government, community, or religious leaders.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'rule of law'.
It means that all people are equal before the law.
The rule of law is a fundamental principle ensuring fairness and stability in society.
2
Determine who the law applies to under this principle.
The law applies to every person, regardless of their status, job, or background.
Equality before the law means there are no exceptions for people in positions of power.

Key Concept

The Rule of Law

Hints

1
Think about whether 'equality before the law' means some people don't have to follow the rules.
2
Consider if a prime minister or a police officer can break the law without consequences.

Practice More

Review how the rule of law supports a 'fair go' for everyone in Australia.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 74Question →

Australians come from many different backgrounds and may hold very different views on religion, culture, and politics. When individuals in a community strongly disagree with each other's beliefs, how are they expected to behave according to the value of mutual respect and tolerance?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: They should treat others with dignity and respect their right to hold different points of view.

Answer

Individuals should treat each other with dignity and respect the right of others to hold different points of view, even when they disagree.
The correct answer is correct because mutual respect and tolerance require that individuals treat one another with dignity and recognize that every person in Australia has the right to follow their own beliefs and way of life, provided they follow the law.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the question.
The question asks about the behavior expected in a diverse society when people disagree on beliefs.
Understanding the core requirement of 'mutual respect and tolerance' is essential for Australian citizenship.
2
Differentiate between 'agreement' and 'respect'.
In Australia, respecting someone's rights does not require you to agree with their choices or opinions.
This is a common point of confusion in democratic assessments.
3
Select the option that aligns with treating all individuals with dignity regardless of differences.
Treating others with dignity and respecting their right to differ is the correct application of the value.
This aligns with the Australian Government's definition of a fair and tolerant society.

Key Concept

Mutual respect and tolerance mean respecting the rights of others to their own beliefs, even without personal agreement.

Hints

1
Think about how a diverse society stays peaceful even when people have very different religions or political views.
2
Does 'tolerance' mean you have to change your mind, or just allow others to keep theirs?

Practice More

Review the section on 'Freedom of Speech' to see how it relates to the right to disagree respectfully.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 75Question →

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?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Every person, including those in high positions of power and the government itself, must obey the law.

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
Question 76Question →

Members of Parliament are chosen by the people during federal elections to act as their representatives. In this parliamentary democracy, what is the primary duty of these elected members when they are in Parliament?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: They listen to the concerns of people in their local area and speak for them when laws are being debated.

Answer

The correct answer is that representatives listen to the concerns of people in their local area and speak for them when laws are being debated.
In a parliamentary democracy, citizens exercise their power by electing representatives. The primary duty of these representatives is to be the voice of their local community (electorate) in the Parliament, ensuring that their constituents' needs and views are considered when laws are proposed and debated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'Representative' in a parliamentary democracy.
A representative is an individual elected by citizens to act and speak on their behalf in the government.
The question asks how these elected members fulfill their role within the parliamentary system.
2
Analyze the primary function of a Member of Parliament (MP) within the legislative process.
MPs bring the views of their local electorate (their community) to the Parliament to influence law-making.
Parliamentary democracy relies on representatives ensuring the interests of the people are heard during debates.

Key Concept

The concept of 'Representation' in Parliamentary Democracy

Hints

1
Think about why we use the word 'representative' to describe these elected officials.
2
In a democracy, the power comes from the people. How do the people ensure their voices are heard in the room where laws are made?
3
The correct answer involves the connection between the local community and the national debate over laws.

Practice More

Review the 'Separation of Powers' to understand the distinct roles of the Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
Estimated Time:45s
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