What is Democracy?
Democracy is a system of government that allows citizens to participate in the decisions that affect them It is based on the idea that citizens have a say on how their government is organized, and can ensure its responsiveness to their needs. In a democracy, citizens elect representatives to serve in their government and hold them accountable.
At its core, democracy is built on the belief that every citizen is born with the right to have a voice in the government and in society. As such, it is essential that citizens are given the right to express their opinions and take part in the decision-making process. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote and to be represented in the government, and can ensure that their voices are heard.
In Australia, democracy is heavily enshrined in the nation’s Constitution. The Constitution outlines the basic rights and freedoms that citizens have, and states that everyone is equal before the law. It clearly states the separation of powers, and ensures that the government is accountable to the public. It also outlines the procedures for the formation of governments and the electoral system.
Examples of How Democracy Works in Australia
1. Voting rights: All citizens over the age of 18 in Australia have the right to vote for representatives in their government. This is a fundamental part of democracy, as it ensures that citizens have a say in the decisions that affect them.
2. Freedom of speech: All citizens have the right to express themselves freely, without fear of persecution. This right is essential to the functioning of democracy, as it allows citizens to engage in discussions and dialogue about the issues that affect their lives.
3. Separation of powers: The Constitution recognizes the three branches of government – the executive, legislature and judiciary – and ensures that they each have separate and distinct roles. This ensures that the government is held accountable to the public.
4. State and territory rights: The Constitution also outlines the rights and powers of the states and territories, and ensures that they have a say in the decision-making process. This ensures that the government is responsive to the wants and needs of all citizens.
5. Equal rights: The Constitution guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law. This means that all citizens have the same rights and can access the same opportunities, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality. This is essential to the functioning of democracy, as it ensures equality for all.
In conclusion, democracy is a system of government that allows citizens to participate in the decisions that affect them. In Australia, it is heavily enshrined in the Constitution, which outlines the basic rights and freedoms that citizens have, and states that everyone is equal before the law. It also outlines the procedures for the formation of governments and the electoral system. As such, we can see that democracy works in Australia in a variety of ways, from voting rights to freedom of speech and equal rights.