Civics & Citizenship · Year 5

Active learning ideas

Changing the Constitution: Referendums

Active learning helps students grasp the mechanics and significance of referendums by turning abstract rules into tangible experiences. Students move from passive listeners to engaged participants, where the double majority rule becomes a clear, memorable process rather than just a textbook definition.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS5K01

• 30–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 45 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: Classroom Referendum

Propose a class rule change, like extending recess. Divide into campaign teams to create posters and speeches. Hold a vote tracking national (class) and state (table group) majorities. Discuss outcomes and barriers.

Explain the process of a constitutional referendum in Australia.

Facilitation Tip

When creating the Timeline activity, give students pre-printed event cards with key dates, images, and brief descriptions to scaffold their understanding of chronological order.

What to look for

Provide students with a scenario of a proposed constitutional change. Ask them to write two sentences explaining who would need to vote 'Yes' for it to pass, referencing the 'double majority' concept.

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

Activity 02

• Jigsaw
• 35 min · Small Groups

Jigsaw: Key Referendums

Assign groups one historical referendum (e.g., 1967, 1999). Research process, arguments, and result using provided sources. Regroup to teach peers and build a class chart of patterns.

Analyze the reasons why a country might need to change its foundational rules.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'Why might it be difficult for Australians to agree on changing the Constitution?' Facilitate a class discussion, guiding students to consider the 'double majority' and the diverse opinions within the country.

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

Activity 03

• Formal Debate
• 40 min · Pairs

Formal Debate: Amendment Proposal

Pairs brainstorm a modern Constitution change, like youth voting age. Prepare pros/cons arguments. Whole class debates, then votes in a mock referendum format.

Critique the challenges and successes of past Australian referendums.

What to look for

Present students with a list of historical referendums. Ask them to identify which ones were successful and which failed, and to briefly state one reason for the outcome based on class discussions.

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

Activity 04

• Timeline Challenge
• 30 min · Pairs

Timeline Challenge: Referendum History

Individuals or pairs sequence eight referendums on a template. Add reasons for success or failure. Share in gallery walk to identify trends.

Explain the process of a constitutional referendum in Australia.

What to look for

Provide students with a scenario of a proposed constitutional change. Ask them to write two sentences explaining who would need to vote 'Yes' for it to pass, referencing the 'double majority' concept.

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

Experienced teachers approach this topic by balancing the complexity of the double majority rule with hands-on, collaborative activities that reveal its purpose. They avoid overwhelming students with legal jargon and instead focus on the human stories behind referendums, using historical examples to make the process relatable. Research shows that when students role-play the roles of voters, campaigners, and officials, they better understand why referendums are slow, deliberate, and often contentious.

Successful learning looks like students confidently explaining the double majority rule, identifying key historical referendums, and justifying their positions in debates using evidence. They should also demonstrate patience and respect for diverse viewpoints during simulations and discussions.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Classroom Referendum simulation, watch for students who assume Parliament can change the Constitution without public approval.

  Use the simulation to pause and highlight Section 128, explaining that the public vote is the only way amendments can pass. Have students compare their classroom 'parliament' deciding versus the required referendum process to make the separation clear.

• During the Jigsaw: Key Referendums activity, watch for students who believe a national majority vote alone is enough to pass a referendum.

  In their groups, have students calculate the required votes for both the national total and each state. Provide a simplified map or table to track mock state results, forcing them to confront the reality that state majorities matter just as much as the national vote.

• During the Timeline activity, watch for students who assume referendums move quickly through the process.

  Ask students to place their timeline cards into categories like 'Years of Debate,' 'Campaigning,' and 'Vote Results.' This visual separation helps them see that successful referendums often take years, not weeks, to pass.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Jigsaw
• Formal Debate
• Timeline Challenge