Politics And Law Semester 2 Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version 2026 | Graded A+

Politics And Law Semester 2 Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version 2026 | Graded A+ The rule of law - answer-The principle that everyone, including those who have the legal and political power to carry out the law are subjected to the law. -In order to prevent the abuse of power from Courts, Parliament, police. Key features of the law - answer--Universality of the law -Law should be known, clear, consistent and coherent -Independence of the judiciary -Freedoms and equality exist within the law w Universality of the rules of law - answer-No one is above the law, even the law. (In Australia) -Australian Law is sovereign -Can be conflict between customary law (e.g indigenous Australian) and formal law ( parliament) -Migrants must modify some customs and traditions (e.g child mutilation, child marriage) --- Aus laws directly oppose these values and traditions -Laws must be accepted by majority of citizens and reflect moral values within that society --- Laws generally work on a moral basis because of this -The idea is that 'good people' will follow the law without consciously knowing it -Moral discomfort can be a powerful force that leads t changes in the law -E.g moral principle of equality drove for changes in the marriage Act 1961 making same sex marriage legal The law must be clear, known, coherent - answer--People should know the laws exists before they are subjected to them -Once law passes both houses and is assented by executive, they are published--- meaning claiming you did not know law existed is no excuse -Knowledge of the law = made in futuro, not expost facto ---Cannot be prosecuted for acts that were legal at the time -Consistency in application of the law --- exception being children who do not accurately understand the law Independant Judiciary - answer-Courts must be free from pressure and interference from other arms of political and legal system --- through separation of powers -Judges reamian impartial Freedoms and equalities before the law - answer--People can exercise legal right to put pressure on the government -Legal rights such as right to silence, presumption of innocence. Liberal democracy - answer-A system of government that is based on popular soveignty (will of the people ) and the respect and protection of rights. Democratic ideals --- government should be representative of those that they govern -government chosen by majority of citizens in a free and fair election Liberal ideals --- government should be held in check by having limited powers -Should be restrained in their ability to override the interests of minorities Operation principles of democary - answer--Equality of political rights -Majority rule -Political participation -Political freedom Equality of political rights - how upheld and undermined - answer-Occurs when all have equal access to entitlements essential to a citizen's ability to govern themselves.