Civics and citizenship / Year 8 / Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding / Government and democracy

Curriculum content descriptions

The freedoms that enable active participation in Australia’s democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement (ACHCK061)

Elaborations
  • explaining how each freedom supports active participation in Australia’s democracy
  • discussing how and why ‘the bounds of law’ can limit these freedoms
  • considering the circumstances that can lead to dissent in a democracy
  • debating how to manage situations when rights and freedoms are in conflict (for example, whether it should be a matter for parliaments or judges to resolve)
General capabilities
  • Personal and social capability Personal and social capability
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

Active citizenship,  Political eligibility,  Freedom of association,  Freedom of speech

Online

Magna Carta: The story of our freedom

This is a resource about the Magna Carta (Great Charter) agreed between King John and his rebellious barons in 1215 and its influence on the development of human rights and democratic freedoms to the present day. The resource consists of: an animated infographic ‘Tell the story’ with hyperlinks to further information; an ...

Interactive

Discovering democracy: parties control parliament

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore the role political parties and independents have in Australia. Learn about some of fundamental principles underpinning the major parties. Complete a related task.

Interactive

Discovering democracy: law

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore the struggles of Indigenous Australians for land rights. Look in particular at the early land rights petition of 1963 and the roles played by Vincent Lingiari and Eddie Mabo. Complete a related task.

Interactive

Discovering democracy: men and women in political life

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore some Australian men and women who have influenced the political landscape of Australia, both as elected representatives and as political leaders outside parliament. Complete a related task.

Interactive

Discovering democracy: human rights

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore the historical development of human rights and how they are upheld in Australia. Complete a related task.

Text

Australian reconciliation barometer

This is an information page providing a summary of the Australian Reconciliation Barometer, a national research study measuring the progress of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. The page includes links to reports for each biennial study as well as other related resources ...

Online

Giving it: resources for secondary schools

This series of resources explores the concept of philanthropy and considers why and how active citizens participate in communities. Student worksheets examine the concept of civic responsibility and explore the values underpinning the act of giving. Research activities encourage students to explore different community groups ...