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Explain the principles of representative government and responsible government. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain the principles of representative government and responsible government.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the principles of representative government and responsible government. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the principle of representative government.
Answer
Representative government is a system where the government acts according to the preferences and views of the majority of the people. This principle is fundamentally based on the idea that the representatives are chosen by the electorate and must reflect the collective will of their constituents. If representatives fail to represent the people's views effectively, they can be held accountable during the next election, where voters have the power to choose new representatives who align more closely with their opinions.
Step 2
Explain the principle of responsible government.
Answer
Responsible government is the concept that ensures the elected officials are accountable to the public for their actions and decisions. This means that the government must act with integrity and transparency, as they are answerable to the electorate. If the government acts against the interests of the people or does not maintain ethical standards, there may be significant political consequences, including potential resignation of government officials or losing the confidence of the parliament, thus necessitating a new election.