Question

Conduct independent research if required and, in 400 words, provide:

1. a description of Australia’s democracy and political system

2. the characteristics of (and the theory behind) democratic societies

Answer 1

Australia’s democracy & Democratic societies
Australia’s political system follows a representative democracy. The people who are eligible under the voting criteria would vote and elect candidates to perform the functions of government. The constitution of Australia provides the basic instructions to follow for forming the government and its administration. The suggestion is under three separate titles; The Legislature, The Parliament and the Judiciary. The power within the authority is shared between federal and state parliaments, governments and courts. Every Australian is represented by one member in the state and federal parliament. The representation is also assured in the local governance. Australia contains a total of 9 parliaments including one federal parliament and state parliaments. Regular elections are conducted for representation in the governance.
The federal House of Representatives has single member representation which in fact support electing major parties and effective functioning of government. The Senate includes a multi member representation and elect 12 senators to each state and 2 to each self governing territory to protect the interest of the state. Australia operates a cabinet system of government, which is not mentioned in the constitution. The three separate wings increase the effective functioning of government avoiding the chance of faults of a monopoly form of government.
Democratic societies have various characteristics including legal equality, political freedom and rule of law. People elected representative would more often duty-bound to the system which elects them. The rules, regulations etc. would make a code of conduct that every representative should follow. The chances of being expelled from the system would make the government efficient and answerable to the public. Independent Judiciary is a highlight characteristic of the democracy. That makes every citizen equal under the rules and regulations of the state. Democratic society is more offered for the freedom of expression and speech.

The participation of the public as the representation is from them itself is high and the government is more tend to represent the politics of the general public. The ability of the system to replace the government as it fails in governance is the major feature of the system to follow an efficient method of governance. The system is more tied to the ideologies of the public and a deflection from that could affect the durability of the government and the representatives.