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

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View on Australian Curriculum website Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
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

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Online

Get Voting

  • TLF-IDM020706

This website provides a step-by-step guide to running an school elections such as student leadership positions. The five-step process provides practical advice on preparation and a variety of downloadable resources. The forms can be customised and include nomination forms, ballot papers, how to vote cards and tally sheets ...

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Text

Drug Crime and the Law

  • TLF-IDA002881

This sequence of four lesson ideas focuses on the concept that Australia's social wellbeing is enhanced when individuals understand the behaviours and laws associated with being responsible citizens, and report signs of illicit criminal drug activity to the appropriate authorities. This resource provides the opportunity ...

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Downloadable

Aboriginal change makers

  • TLF-IDA002450

Aboriginal history, self-determination and identity are examined in this teaching and learning eBook. The book draws on the lived experience of First Nations peoples drawing on historical record, cultural protocols and community connections to explore perspectives on traditional culture and leadership in the face of colonisation. ...

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Video

The Australian Dream: Cultural identity

  • TLF-IDM025688

Cultural identity gives us a sense of connection and belonging and an understanding of who we are and where we come from. There is a direct connection between people's sense of cultural identity and their health and wellbeing. This clip explores some of our nation’s history, including how Australia Day is seen by both Indigenous ...

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Video

The Australian Dream: Racism

  • TLF-IDM025690

This clip highlights Adam Goodes’s belief that the whole community needs to work together to put an end to racism. Through the heartbreaking story of Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam, you'll get an insight into how far we've come in tackling racism, but Adam shows us how far we still have to go. Find out how people used ...

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Video

The Australian Dream: Resilience and reconciliation

  • TLF-IDM025691

This clip looks at casual racism in Australia, including some infamous incidents throughout Adam Goodes’s playing career that shook the nation. Adam showed a great deal of resilience and courage throughout this difficult time. Look at how many Australians stood with Adam, letting him know they valued his leadership and ...

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Text

Government

  • TLF-IDM025704

This fact sheet explores the role and functions of the Australian Government, including who is in the government, how it is formed, minority government and the principle of responsible government.

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Interactive

Quizzes

  • TLF-IDM025898

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

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Video

Tour of NSW Government House

  • TLF-IDM021245

This resource is a YouTube playlist containing a series of videos taken as a group of senior high school students are given a guided tour of NSW Government House in 2010. The tour covers primary sources such as architecture, furniture and images significant to the history of Australia and NSW.

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Text

Separation of powers

  • TLF-IDM025706

The principle of the separation of powers distributes the power to govern between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. This fact sheet examines the role of each group and the related principle of responsible government.

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Video

Rogue nation, 2009: Democracy and the colony of NSW

  • TLF-IDM008224

This clip is an excerpt from the 2009 documentary 'Honour among thieves', the first of a two-part television series entitled 'Rogue nation'. In a dramatised re-enactment, British Commissioner John Thomas Bigge investigates the colony of NSW in 1819. He is advised by John Macarthur, a member of the 'exclusives' class of ...

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Interactive

Discovering democracy: what sort of nation?

  • TLF-IDL9524

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore what has influenced the sort of nation Australia is and how it has changed over time. Complete a related task.

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Interactive

Discovering democracy: a democracy destroyed

  • TLF-IDL9526

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore, through the demise of democracy in Germany in 1933, how the justice system can be used for undemocratic purposes. Complete a related task.

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Interactive

Discovering democracy: parties control parliament

  • TLF-IDL9521

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.

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Video

Birds and totems

  • TLF-IDM025151

Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian man Bruce Pascoe shares his delight in encountering birds on Country. Bruce explains the significance of Umburra, or black duck, and his obligation to care for the species. Bruce explains that his brothers and sisters look after other animals, such as kangaroos, bream, wallabies, flathead and ...

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Video

BTN: History of voting

  • TLF-IDM021212

Australia's first parliamentary election was in 1843. What was different about voting then? When and how did that change to resemble elections we have now? See if you can list the three significant dates in Australia’s history of voting and the changes that occurred on those dates.

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Video

Trees and connection

  • TLF-IDM025150

Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian man Bruce Pascoe explains his connection to Country and introduces us to a family of trees. In what ways does Bruce’s relationship with the Earth differ from yours?

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Text

Australian Constitution online

  • TLF-IDM025888

Browse the complete text of the Australian Constitution with this easy-to use website. It includes a detailed overview by the Australian Government Solicitor and a 2:26 min video snapshot about the Constitution and its role in the governance of the Australian nation.

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Interactive

Discovering democracy: human rights

  • TLF-IDL9522

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.

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Online

Giving it: resources for secondary schools

  • TLF-IDM020054

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 ...

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