Civics & Citizenship · Year 7

Active learning ideas

Constitutional Change: Referendums

Active learning works for this topic because the double majority rule and state-based voting patterns require students to experience the mechanics of referendums firsthand. Simulations and role-plays help students grasp how abstract constitutional rules translate into real political outcomes.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9C7K01

• 25–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Document Mystery
• 50 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Mock Referendum Simulation

Propose a class-relevant constitutional change, such as rights to screen time. Split into yes and no campaign teams to prepare posters and speeches for 15 minutes. Hold a 20-minute debate, then conduct a vote applying double majority rules. Debrief on why it passed or failed.

Explain the process by which the Australian Constitution can be changed through a referendum, including the double-majority requirement.

Facilitation Tip

During the Mock Referendum Simulation, assign each student a state and nationality vote total to ensure numbers reflect the double majority requirement accurately.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'A proposed change to the Constitution is put to a referendum. 51% of voters nationwide vote Yes, but only 3 states have a majority Yes vote.' Ask students: 'Did this referendum pass? Explain your answer using the term 'double majority'.'

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

Activity 02

• Document Mystery
• 40 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: 1967 Campaign Role-Play

Assign roles like activists, politicians, and voters from 1967. Groups research perspectives using provided sources for 10 minutes, then perform short skits showing arguments for yes votes. Conduct a class gallery walk to view and discuss all performances.

Analyze the 1967 referendum as a landmark case study, examining its significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizenship rights and why it achieved an unprecedented 90.77% 'Yes' vote.

Facilitation Tip

For the 1967 Campaign Role-Play, provide each group with primary source excerpts so they can craft arguments grounded in historical evidence.

What to look for

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Why do you think the 1967 referendum achieved such a high 'Yes' vote, while the 2023 referendum did not? Consider the different historical contexts, the specific questions asked, and the nature of the proposed changes.'

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

Activity 03

• Document Mystery
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs: Referendum Comparison Chart

Partners use timelines and articles to chart differences between 1967 and 2023 referendums on questions, campaigns, and outcomes. Add columns for factors like public sentiment and media role. Pairs share one key insight with the class.

Evaluate the 1967 and 2023 Voice referendums as contrasting examples, comparing their outcomes and what each reveals about democratic participation and First Nations representation.

Facilitation Tip

In the Referendum Comparison Chart, require pairs to include both the wording of the proposal and the margin of each state’s vote to highlight the impact of phrasing and regional divisions.

What to look for

Ask students to write down two key differences between the 1967 and 2023 referendums, and one reason why changing the Australian Constitution is a difficult process.

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

Activity 04

• Document Mystery
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Success Factors Analysis

Students review data on all 44 referendums and note patterns in the eight successes, such as clear questions or timing. Write a short paragraph predicting success for a hypothetical proposal. Share in a whole-class think-pair-share.

Explain the process by which the Australian Constitution can be changed through a referendum, including the double-majority requirement.

Facilitation Tip

For the Success Factors Analysis, give students a checklist of factors to evaluate each referendum’s outcome systematically.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'A proposed change to the Constitution is put to a referendum. 51% of voters nationwide vote Yes, but only 3 states have a majority Yes vote.' Ask students: 'Did this referendum pass? Explain your answer using the term 'double majority'.'

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with the Mock Referendum Simulation to establish the procedural rules concretely. Use the 1967 Campaign Role-Play to show how language and timing shape public support. Avoid presenting the double majority as a theoretical rule; anchor it in repeated practice so students see how state divisions can block change. Research shows that when students experience the mechanics of the double majority firsthand, they retain the concept more reliably.

Successful learning looks like students confidently applying the double majority rule, analyzing historical cases with nuance, and explaining why some referendum proposals succeed while most fail. Students should connect procedural rules to outcomes in discussions and written work.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Mock Referendum Simulation, watch for students who assume a national majority vote is enough to pass a referendum.

  Remind students to tally votes by state and check for a majority in at least four states before declaring a result, using the simulation’s tally sheets to reinforce the rule.

• During the 1967 Campaign Role-Play, watch for students who conflate the 1967 referendum with granting Aboriginal citizenship for the first time.

  Provide the 1948 Nationality Act timeline during the role-play and ask groups to sequence events correctly, then discuss how the 1967 changes expanded federal powers instead.

• During the Success Factors Analysis, watch for students who assume popular ideas always pass referendums.

  Have students compare data on proposed changes and their outcomes, then debate which factors beyond popularity influenced results, using the analysis chart to organize their thinking.

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Methods used in this brief

• Document Mystery