VCE Politics key terms

A model of parliamentary government inherited from Britain in which the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature, and a ceremonial head of state acts on ministerial advice.

The convention that the executive must retain the confidence of the lower house to govern and must answer to parliament for its actions, through question time, committees and scrutiny of spending.

The doctrine dividing government into legislative, executive and judicial functions held by distinct institutions, so that power is checked rather than concentrated in a single body.

The principle that everyone, including governments and ministers, is subject to the same publicly known laws, applied by independent courts, rather than to arbitrary personal power.

A system in which a hereditary monarch is head of state but exercises powers according to constitutional rules and convention, usually on the advice of elected ministers.

An unwritten but binding rule of political practice, such as that the governor-general acts on ministerial advice, which is enforced politically rather than by courts.

Discretionary powers of a governor-general or monarch, such as dismissing a government or refusing dissolution, used only in exceptional circumstances and usually without ministerial advice.

A system dividing governing power between a national government and regional governments, each with constitutionally protected responsibilities, so that neither can abolish the other.

The allocation of law-making responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the states, set out in the Constitution and interpreted by the High Court in cases about inconsistency.

A legislature with two houses, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate, allowing a second chamber to review, amend or reject legislation passed by the first.

An electoral method used for the House of Representatives in which voters number candidates in order of preference and preferences are distributed until one candidate wins a majority.

An electoral system allocating seats roughly in proportion to votes won, used for the Senate, where multi-member electorates and quotas allow minor parties and independents to be elected.

The legal requirement that enrolled citizens attend a polling place or lodge a valid vote at elections, with a fine for failing to do so without a valid excuse.

A ballot paper that cannot be counted because it is blank, incorrectly marked or otherwise invalid under the rules applying to that election.

A national vote to alter the Constitution, requiring passage of a bill by parliament plus a double majority of voters nationally and a majority of states.

A national vote on a question of policy rather than constitutional change; its result is advisory and does not legally bind the government that called it.

The claim that a government elected with a clear policy program has authority to implement it, often used to justify legislation or to pressure the upper house to pass bills.

The support of a majority of members in the lower house, which a government needs to hold office and to pass supply; losing it normally forces resignation or an election.

The obligation of ministers to explain and defend their decisions and their departments' performance before parliament and the public, and to accept consequences for failure.

The process by which parliament, committees, courts, the media and citizens examine government actions, spending and laws in order to detect error, misuse of power or poor policy.

A set period in each sitting day when members question ministers about their responsibilities, used mainly by the opposition to expose problems and demand explanations.

The security of tenure, remuneration and appointment processes that allow judges to decide cases free from pressure by the executive, legislature or litigants.

The High Court's role in construing the Constitution, including implying limits on power and resolving inconsistency between Commonwealth and state laws.

The belief that government power should be limited and defined by a constitution, with institutions and procedures that restrain arbitrary action by rulers.

The justified acceptance of a government's authority by citizens, grounded in lawful election, adherence to constitutional rules and responsiveness to public expectations.

The many ways citizens engage in politics, from voting, joining parties and contacting MPs to protesting, campaigning online and standing for public office.

The sphere of voluntary organisations, charities, unions, faith groups and community associations that sit between the state and the family and can advocate on public issues.

A loose, sustained alliance of individuals and groups pursuing shared social or political change through collective action such as marches, petitions, boycotts and media campaigns.

Protest activity such as strikes, blockades or occupations that aims to pressure decision-makers or disrupt normal operations rather than work through formal institutions.

The deliberate, public and non-violent breaking of a law believed to be unjust, undertaken to persuade the community or government to change that law or policy.

Efforts by organised interests, companies or advocates to influence legislators and ministers, raising questions about transparency, access and unequal influence in policy-making.

An organisation that seeks to win public office, aggregates policy positions into a platform, selects candidates and organises supporters in and between election campaigns.

The pattern of parties competing in a country, such as two-party dominance or a multiparty arrangement, shaped by electoral rules and social divisions.

A form of democracy in which citizens choose representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf, with accountability through regular elections.

A democracy combining majority rule through elections with protections for individual rights, rule of law and limits on government power over citizens.

The real-world operation of the doctrine in Australia, where the executive and legislature overlap because ministers are members of parliament, but the judiciary remains distinct.

The requirement that decision-makers answer for their conduct and face consequences, ensured by elections, parliament, courts, auditors, ombudsmen and a free press.

Openness about how decisions are made, including access to information, published reasons and disclosure of interests, which enables scrutiny and informed public debate.

The recurring sequence of identifying an issue, forming policy, deciding, implementing and evaluating, after which the problem may be revisited or the response adjusted.

A tool governments use to pursue objectives, such as legislation, taxation, subsidies, regulation, public provision, information campaigns or direct service delivery.

The process of seeking views from affected groups, experts and the public before finalising policy, intended to improve design and build acceptance for decisions.

Systematic assessment of whether a policy achieved its stated objectives, at what cost and with what unintended effects, informing later decisions to continue, modify or end it.

The formal and informal arrangements through which states and international bodies cooperate on shared problems, including treaties, institutions and diplomatic processes.

The legal authority of a state to govern itself and control affairs within its territory, which may be limited or pooled through treaties and international commitments.

A binding written agreement between states, negotiated and signed by executives, which in Australia requires domestic legislation to take effect and parliamentary scrutiny.