Law, Government, Division of powers

Front

Law

Back

a set of enforceable rules of conduct which guides and sets down minimum standards for relationships between people and organisations in a society.

Front

Rule

Back

one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a specific area or activity.

Front

What's the difference between a law and a rule?

Back

The difference between a law and rule is that laws are legally binding, meaning it can be enforced by the police, courts and government and may result in serious punishment and penalties. Rules are not legally binding, and cannot be enforced.

Front

What is the purpose of laws?

Back

Purpose of laws

 

• To provide social, stability, peace and equality

• To outline social morals and reduce crime

• To have a simple, neat order that society can easily follow

 

Laws exist to establish boundaries, protect society, provide freedoms, and resolve disputes.

Front

What should laws reflect?

Back

Laws should reflect the dominant values, morals and ethics of current society, especially in democratic nations.

 

Front

Morals

Back

what a community (such as a religious group or society) have commonly determined is good v bad, right v wrong. Many people inherit their morality from their family, community or culture.

Front

Values

Back

principles or standards of behaviour; judgement about what is important in life.

Front

Ethics

Back

The thoughtful application of morals / values to a particular situation --> Ethics seeks to answer the question: “What should I do?” If we act ethically, we act deliberately, thoughtfully, and consistently with our values and/or morals.

Front

Government

Back

The group of people with the authority to govern a country, state, or district.

Federal and State: They are composed of the political party with the majority of seats. The leader of the majority party becomes the PM (federal) or Premier (state) and the government's role runs the country by implementing and enforcing laws and policies.

Local: councils in which a mayor is elected by the council or public and focus on practical, community-focused governance.

Front

Parliament

Back

Only in State and Federal: The group of people with the authority to make and debate laws. They are composed of the governing party, opposition parties, and even minor parties. The parliament makes sure the government is acting fairly and ensuring different perspectives are represented.