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.
Whitlam and Democracy Analysis Task
Related Resources
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Systems of government affect people’s rights and freedoms. Some protect inherent human dignity, while others prioritise those in power. Monarchy, republic, democracy, dictatorship, and communism are key forms. Democracy, supported by the rule of law, best safeguards human rights by ensuring accountability, transparency, and protection against corruption and disorder.
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Explore Related Topics
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The Rule of Law
The rule of law is the concept that both the government and citizens know the law and obey it. There are clear, fair, and predictable laws and no one is above the law. Independent courts, separation of powers, and checks and balances protect rights, limit arbitrary power, and provide a stable, democratic framework for justice and accountability in modern society.
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Laws
Laws set the rules that govern how people, organisations and governments behave. They protect rights, maintain order and provide clear standards for resolving disputes. Understanding how laws are made, applied and enforced helps explain how Australia’s legal system works and how the rule of law ensures fairness and accountability.
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Federation
Federation marks the moment when six separate British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. It created a national government, a written Constitution, and a new division of powers that still shapes Australia’s political and legal system today. Understanding Federation helps explain how Australia’s democratic institutions developed and why power is shared the way it is.