Objective

By the end of this lesson, Kate will understand how Australia's political system enables change and be able to explain the key components of the system.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Internet access for research
• No prior knowledge required

Activities

• Research Task: Ask Kate to research the three branches of Australia's government and write a short summary of each.
• Role Play: Have Kate imagine she is a member of the Australian Parliament debating a new law. Discuss the process of how laws are made in Australia.
• Current Events Analysis: Together, look at recent news articles about political changes in Australia and discuss how the political system influenced those changes.

Talking Points

• Quotation: "Australia is a parliamentary democracy, which means the people vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf."
• Quotation: "The Australian Parliament is made up of two houses - the House of Representatives and the Senate. They work together to create and pass laws."
• Quotation: "The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian government and is chosen by the political party with the most members in the House of Representatives."
• Quotation: "Australia's political system allows for change through elections, where people can vote for new representatives who may bring different ideas and policies."