Democracy Rules Content
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Civics and Citizenship National Statements of Learning
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| Year 5 |
Year 7 |
Year 9 |
Topic:You and me, the decision-maker
Investigations:
- What do we mean by democracy?
- Can we all make the decisions?
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Government and law
- understand that Australia is a democracy with key civic features including elections, parliaments, political parties, a constitution, freedom of speech and citizen participation - understand that the role of parliament is to represent people, make laws and publicly debate issues
- understand the purpose of elections and the role of elected representatives.
Citizenship in a democracy
- recognise that citizens can individually and collectively influence decision making
- develop skills to contribute effectively to representative groups in familiar contexts.
Historical perspectives
- understand that key civic terms used in Australia (eg democracy, citizen, government and parliament) have been inherited from other times and places
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Government and law
- examine the role of key institutions and principles of Australian representative democracy (eg parliament, head of state, political parties, free and fair elections, secret ballot, universal adult suffrage)
- describe the general processes involved in elections and how governments are formed
Citizenship in a democracy
- identify values that support social cohesion and consider the ways in which this can be undermined or strengthened by individual and collective action
- develop skills to become involved in or influence representative groups in the school or community
Historical perspectives
- investigate key events and ideas in the development of Australian self-government and democracy
- reflect on ways in which people in ancient societies were governed and compare to Australia today.
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Topic: Representing everyone!
Investigations:
- How do you have your say?
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Government and law - understand that Australia is a democracy with key civic features including elections, parliaments, political parties, a constitution, freedom of speech and citizen participation - recognise that a constitution is an agreed set of rules or guidelines for an organisation - understand that the role of parliament is to represent people, make laws and publicly debate issues
- understand the purpose of elections and the role of elected representatives.
Citizenship in a democracy
- recognise that citizens can individually and collectively influence decision making
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Government and law -understand that Australia has a constitution that describes the key features of the federal system of government and can be amended by referendum - describe the general processes involved in elections and how governments are formed Citizenship in a democracy - develop skills to become involved in or influence representative groups in the school or community. |
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Topic: What’s your vote worth?
Investigations:
- How and why do Australians vote?
- How do electorates change over time?
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Government and law
- examine the role of key institutions and principles of Australian representative democracy (eg parliament, head of state, political parties, free and fair elections, secret ballot, universal adult suffrage)
- explore functions of and services provided by each of the three levels of government
- identify how governments make decisions and explore ways in which these decisions impact on people
Citizenship in a democracy
- develop skills to become involved in or influence representative groups in the school or community.
- analyse media portrayal of current issues to explore viewpoints, bias and stereotypes
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Government and law - explore significant features and principles of democracy in Australia including the common good, separation of powers, government accountability and parliamentary elections - recognise that the Australian Constitution establishes the powers and responsibilities of the national parliament and the federal legal system including the High Court
Citizenship in a democracy
- define, exercise and evaluate rights and responsibilities associated with being a young adult including the concept of working together for the common good
- develop skills in collective decision making and informed civic action.
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Topic: The voice of a vote in a world of change
Investigations:
- How did Indigenous Australians achieve civic rights?
- How did East Timor take the first steps to democracy?
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Government and law
- evaluate the effectiveness of international organisations in protecting human rights.
Citizenship in a democracy
- evaluate Australian society’s effectiveness in balancing majority rule and respect for minorities in civic decision making
- recognise that acts of racism and prejudice constitute discrimination and participate in appropriate ways to prevent or counter these
- explore ways in which international events and developments can affect Australia’s relationships within the Asia-Pacific and other regions.
Historical perspectives
- recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s pursuit of citizenship rights including democratic representation
- investigate people, movements and events that have enhanced civil and political rights for specific groups of Australians
- identify ways in which Australian governments have been influenced by and responded to regional and global movements and events.
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