Key Elements of Representative Government.

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Legal Studies                                                                                      Casey Campleman

Legal Studies Essay

a) Key Elements of Representative Government

For democratic decision-making to function effectively, there are specific elements that are outlined in the key elements of representative government. These include:

  • The rule of law
  • Universal franchise and regular elections
  • One vote one value and secret ballot
  • Payment of members of parliament
  • Parliamentary privilege
  • Rights to protest, association and political expression
  • Open parliamentary debates
  • Separation of powers

The rule of law states that citizens must have equal standing before the law, to stand for election and to vote. There must also be strict rules regulating the electoral process and all government action must be taken in accordance with the law.

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Universal franchise and regular elections means that every eligible adult must have the right to vote regardless of their sex, race, cultural background and religious or personal beliefs. It is also important that the representatives are held accountable to the voters at regular elections. This ensures that the people can have their say at regular intervals and if they do not want a certain government to hold power then they have the right to elect a new government.

One vote one value and secret ballot means that each vote must have equal value of others and should be conducted in privacy to ...

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