Democracy
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This activity guides students through the 1975 dismissal of the Whitlam Government to explore how Australia’s democratic institutions operate during political crisis. It helps learners examine the roles of the Governor‑General, Parliament and the Constitution, and shows how checks and balances, accountability and the rule of law shape democratic stability.
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Students develop a road map that shows the elements that can lead to the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism. Adding elements such as stops, landmarks, side roads or scenes to develop understanding of threats to democracy.
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Examine how different systems of government impact human rights. Students research 3 countries using a Media Article Source document of a ceremony and military parade held on 3rd September 2025 in Beijing, China, to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. The Source document is a group photo taken of the attendees that included Vladimir Putin (Russia), Xi Jinping (China), Kim Jong-Un (North Korea) and Daniel Andrews (former Victorian Premier). The activity engages students to consider who was in the photo and what is known about the forms of government they represent, and their human rights records.
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This student activity looks at national sovereignty and is a fun way to explain the four main elements that are required for a country to be internationally recognised as a sovereign state.
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Reflection Activity designed as part of the Informed Civics Competition where students draw on the blank card what they have learned about the concept Representative Democracy.
How to Become a Country in 4 Steps
This student activity provides a fun way to explain the four main elements that are required for a country to be internationally recognised as a sovereign state.
These elements are:
Defined territories and borders
Sovereign rights and responsibilities
Law-making authority
Having a citizenry
The population includes citizens that live in the territory and follow the rules and laws of the land, which are created by the government.
In a democracy, the sovereign state authority is controlled by the citizens who independently elect their own government. The power of the government is held by its citizens.
Related Resources
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This explainer outlines the core features of democracy, including free and fair elections, accountable government, equal participation and the protection of rights. It shows how democratic systems rely on the rule of law, transparency and active, informed citizens to ensure power is exercised responsibly and in the public interest.
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The Eureka Stockade had a significant impact on the development of democracy in the colonies and later within the Federation of Australia.
The Eureka Rebellion was a key moment where the people demanded equal and fair treatment and the right to take part in the democratic process.
Not long after Eureka, a new system of administration in the Goldfields of Victoria was introduced that upheld Chartist principles such as: universal male suffrage, secret ballot, abolishment of property qualifications for voting and the system of one man, one vote; and payment of members.
Explore Related Topics
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Laws
Explore resources on laws, explaining how rules are created, interpreted and enforced to maintain order, protect rights and support a functioning society through clear processes, accountability and fair application.
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Federation of Australia
Explore resources on Federation, outlining how Australia became a nation, divided powers, and established the constitutional structures & democratic principles that govern today.
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What is the Rule of Law?
Explore resources explaining the rule of law, showing how a collection of principles works to limit government power and protect rights through clear rules, accountability & fairness.