Civics & Citizenship · Year 10

Active learning ideas

Constitutional Change: Referendums

Active learning transforms a complex topic like referendums into lived experience. When students simulate the process or analyse real cases, abstract rules become concrete choices they must defend. This topic demands more than memorisation, so hands-on tasks build both understanding and critical thinking.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9C10K01

• 30–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 50 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: Mock Referendum Vote

Divide class into campaign teams for a fictional constitutional change, such as recognising local government. Teams create posters and speeches, then hold a class vote with state groupings. Tally results using double majority rules and discuss outcomes.

Explain the process for amending the Australian Constitution.

Facilitation Tip

For the Timeline: Factors Analysis, have students arrange events on a large paper strip to visualise how delays and debates stretch over years before a vote.

What to look for

Provide students with a card asking: 'What are the two main conditions a referendum must meet to pass in Australia? Name one historical referendum and state whether it passed or failed.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Jigsaw
• 40 min · Small Groups

Jigsaw: Historical Referendums

Assign groups one past referendum, like 1901 or 1999. They research process, arguments, and results from official sources. Groups teach peers via gallery walk, with notes on success factors.

Analyze the factors contributing to the success or failure of referendums.

What to look for

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Does the 'double majority' requirement for constitutional change fairly represent the will of the Australian people? Why or why not?' Encourage students to cite specific examples.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Formal Debate
• 30 min · Pairs

Formal Debate: Referendum Legitimacy

Pose key question on democratic value of double majority. Pairs prepare pro/con arguments from historical evidence. Whole class votes and reflects on persuasion techniques.

Evaluate the democratic legitimacy of constitutional change via referendum.

What to look for

Present students with a short case study of a hypothetical referendum. Ask them to identify potential factors that might lead to its success or failure, based on the criteria discussed in class, and list them.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

Activity 04

• Timeline Challenge
• 35 min · Individual

Timeline Challenge: Factors Analysis

Individuals create timelines of three referendums, marking political, social factors. Share in pairs to identify common success patterns, then class synthesises findings.

Explain the process for amending the Australian Constitution.

What to look for

Provide students with a card asking: 'What are the two main conditions a referendum must meet to pass in Australia? Name one historical referendum and state whether it passed or failed.'

• Remember
• Understand
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should anchor this topic in the lived experience of students, using simulations to reveal how rules shape outcomes. Avoid long lectures on procedure; instead, let students discover the double majority through role-play. Research shows that peer teaching—especially in jigsaws—deepens understanding of why referendums succeed or fail. Emphasise the role of wording in campaigns, as subtle changes can shift public opinion, and model how to analyse these choices with students.

By the end of these activities, students will confidently explain the double majority rule, evaluate referendum campaigns, and argue for or against its fairness. They will also see how regional voices shape national outcomes and why most proposals fail.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Mock Referendum Vote, watch for students who assume a simple national majority is enough. Redirect them to the state tally sheets to show how four states can block change even if most voters nationwide agree.

  After students tally their mock votes, pause the activity and ask each state group to report their majority. Use this moment to highlight how regional differences can override a national majority.

• During the Jigsaw: Historical Referendums, students may believe referendums pass if they are popular. Use this group work to uncover the reality that only 8 of 44 referendums have succeeded.

  Ask each jigsaw group to present not only the outcome of their case but also the campaign language and bipartisan support. Have students note which factors most often lead to failure.

• During the Timeline: Factors Analysis, students may assume the referendum process is quick once Parliament approves it. Use the timeline activity to reveal the procedural rigour and delays.

  During the timeline activity, have students mark the time between a bill’s introduction and the referendum vote. Ask them to identify stages where debates stall or public opinion shifts.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Jigsaw
• Formal Debate
• Timeline Challenge