How Our Democracy Works

democracy /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ noun

‘A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state,
typically through elected representatives’.

democracy /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ verb

‘Democracy is a skill, a habit. Practice it.’ Melvin Rogers, Associate Professor of Political Science

Key Democratic Principles (from the Museum of Australian Democracy)

The word ‘democracy’ has its origins in the Greek language. It combines two shorter words: ‘demos’ meaning whole citizen living within a particular city-state and ‘kratos’ meaning power or rule.

It is generally agreed that liberal democracies are based on four main principles:

  • A belief in the individual: since the individual is believed to be both moral and rational;

  • A belief in reason and progress: based on the belief that growth and development is the natural condition of mankind and politics the art of compromise;

  • A belief in a society that is consensual: based on a desire for order and co-operation not disorder and conflict;

  • A belief in shared power: based on a suspicion of concentrated power (whether by individuals, groups or governments).

For more information about how our democracy works, visit these links -

Australian Democracy: An overview, Museum of Australian Democracy

What's the difference between the Senate and House of Representatives?, Triple J

No Silly Questions: Getting your head around Australia’s Big Issues, The Daily Aus

Understand Our Parliament, Parliamentary Education Office

Here’s How You Enrol To Vote, Triple J

Learn more about transparency, accountability and integrity -

Australia’s National Integrity System: The Blueprint for Action, Transparency International Australia

Find out more about your elected representatives -