Australia is a democratic, parliamentary, federal, constitutional monarchy. We will examine what these terms mean, how we are governed and how we select our governments. Topics to be explored are the Constitution, the electoral system, how Parliament makes laws, what role the Crown, the Courts and the political parties have in our government and how the different levels of federal, state and local government affect our lives. Is our current system fit for purpose and could it be improved?

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Nick Economou et at, Australian Politics for Dummies (For Dummies, 2021, ISBN 0730395421). Also available on Kindle.
• David Farrell and Ian McAllister, The Australian Electoral System (UNSW Press, 2006, ISBN 0868408581)

COURSE OUTLINE

• The Constitution – how was it created, what does it provide and can it be changed.
• Electing a Parliament – the unique Australian electoral system.
• Making Laws – what is the actual process of making a law.
• The Crown and the Courts – special parts of our system of government – are they consistent with democratic principles.
• Political Parties – how do they operate and what are their influence. Are they really necessary?
• State and Local governments – federalism in action – does it really work?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Recognise that our Constitution is an important document which actually impacts on the way in which we are governed. It provides the rules for the operation of our federal and parliamentary system.
2. Understand the complexities – but also the unique features of our electoral system and its attempts to provide for fair and free elections.
3. Understand how laws are actually passed – what really happens in parliament – is the system best suited to the contemporary needs of all Australians.
4. Appreciate that democracy depends on both constitutional stability and an independent judiciary – what are the contemporary roles of the Crown and the Courts.
5. Debate why politics is dominated by political parties – what are they and are they really necessary?