Civics and Citizenship 7-10 / Year 8 / Knowledge and understanding / Government and democracy

Curriculum content descriptions

how Australians are informed about and participate in democracy (AC9HC8K01)

Elaborations
  • investigating how Australians can participate in democracy, such as voting in elections, contacting their elected representatives, joining political parties and standing as candidates, and using lobby groups and taking direct action
  • explaining how who can vote and have a say in Australian democracy has changed since Federation, and the importance of an independent electoral service such as the Australian Electoral Commission
  • examining the issues of concern to young people in Australia today and investigating different ways they are seeking to influence political processes in addressing these issues
  • analysing case studies of citizen participation in political campaigns such as the Uluru Statement from the Heart
  • explaining how citizens’ understanding of issues, policies and political choices are shaped and can contribute to active and informed citizenship, including the influence of the media and social media, political parties, interest groups and election campaigns
  • examining a range of strategies used to influence citizens’ electoral choices, such as public debate, media and social media, opinion polls and political consulting firms, advertising, interest groups and political party campaigns
General capabilities
  • Personal and social capability Personal and Social capability
ScOT terms

Democracy,  Voting rights,  Active citizenship,  Activism,  Direct action

Interactive

Be the change

This is an interactive about becoming an effective agent of change through civic action in a local community. Users learn a number of practical ways to take democratic action on issues. The context is an abandoned block of land located in an area with a range of issues, such as youth unemployment and environment concerns. ...

Interactive

Quizzes

Test your students with these quizzes about the Australian Parliament. Topics include the three levels of government, separation of powers and the Australian Constitution.