Some of these are based on law and others are outside the legal system, such as religion, moral values, individual responsibility, tradition, family and discipline. These factors have, in the history of the Western democratic order been very significant in restricting the abuse of freedom and in avoiding anarchy. The evolved system involves a delicate balance. This balance has been evolved over the years. The values and institutions of the western system were carried by colonists and immigrants to various parts of the world.
Democracy is the most important characteristic of the western democratic order in the minds of many.
It is a concept and a system with which most people positively identify. It is more difficult to explain and define. Democracy in the literal sense, rule by the people, is not a practical possibility in modern organised societies which occupy a large area of territory. The concept of democracy is analysed in section 4. The reference to the democratic order is intended to point to the many values and institutions which together were responsible for the evolution of made western civilisation and Australia what it is.