Australia: Making a Nation
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Discussion Questions: Factors that contributed to the development of democracy in Australia
Discussion Questions: Differing perspectives and key developments leading to federation in Australia
Discussion Questions: Passing of the War Precautions Act 1914
Discussion Questions: Continuity and change of NSW governance structures
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Classroom activities: Describe significant events and people that led to Australia becoming a federated nation on 1 January 1901, using sources as evidence
Classroom activities: Identify the purpose of Australia's Constitution
Classroom activities: Describe how and why symbols and emblems connected to Australian identity have changed over time since Federation
Classroom activities: Research and describe the work of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Commonwealth of Australia since Federation
Discussion Questions Continuity and change of NSW governance structures
Discussion 1:
Before Federation, NSW developed key institutions such as the Supreme Court and a representative parliament. Which colonial institutions or principles do you think were most important in shaping NSW’s identity?
Discussion 2:
After Federation, NSW kept its Westminster system, bicameral parliament, and responsibility for areas like schools, hospitals, policing and criminal law.
Why was it important for NSW to retain control over everyday services?
How does this continuity help people understand who is responsible for different areas of government?
What challenges might arise when both state and federal governments share or divide powers?
Discussion 3:
Federation also introduced major changes: NSW ceded powers over defence, immigration, taxation and external affairs, gained representation in the federal Parliament, and became subject to decisions of the High Court of Australia.
How did these changes alter NSW’s ability to make decisions independently?
What advantages might NSW gain from being part of a federal system?
How does the balance between state identity and national unity continue to shape Australian governance today?
Activity:
Create a visual summary card showing how NSW’s system of government changed, and stayed the same, when Australia became a nation in 1901.
Related Resources
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An overview of how governance structures in New South Wales have evolved from the early colonial period to the present, highlighting key changes such as the shift from autocratic rule to responsible government, the development of democratic institutions, and the introduction of checks and balances. It also identifies elements of continuity, including the ongoing influence of Westminster traditions, the role of the Governor, and the structure of Parliament within the NSW system of government.
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An overview of the major factors that shaped the development of democracy in Australia, including egalitarian legal ideals shown in cases like Kable v Sinclair, the introduction of checks and balances through institutions such as the Supreme Court and a free press, the influence of immigration and political activism including Chartism and the Eureka Stockade, and the constitutional debates that led the colonies to design their own representative systems of government.
Explore Related Topics
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Federation of Australia
Explore resources on Federation in 1901, outlining how Australia became a nation, divided powers, and established the constitutional structures and institutions that govern today.
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Democracy
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Human Rights
Explore resources on human rights and freedoms, outlining the key protections, legal frameworks, that support rights, and explore how rights and responsibilities are balanced against government power in Australia.