HASS · Year 8 · Civics and Citizenship · Term 3

The Australian Parliament

Students will investigate the structure and functions of the Australian Parliament, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9C8K01

About This Topic

Active Citizenship explores the many ways that individuals and groups can participate in a democracy beyond just voting. Students investigate how people can influence the government through petitions, peaceful protests, social media campaigns, and joining lobby groups. The topic emphasizes that in a democracy, citizens have a voice that can be used to create positive change.

In the Australian Curriculum, this topic is about 'agency', helping students realize that they don't have to wait until they are 18 to be involved. By studying successful examples of active citizenship, students learn the skills of advocacy and negotiation. It also covers the importance of staying informed and critically analyzing the information we receive from different sources.

Students grasp this concept faster through collaborative investigations where they plan their own 'campaign' for a local or school-based issue.

Key Questions

1. Explain the primary roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. Analyze how laws are made in the Australian Parliament.
3. Compare the functions of the Australian Parliament with those of other democratic legislatures.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the primary functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate within the Australian Parliament.
• Analyze the step-by-step process by which a bill becomes a law in Australia.
• Compare and contrast the legislative processes of the Australian Parliament with those of at least one other democratic country.
• Identify the key roles of the Speaker, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in parliamentary proceedings.

Before You Start

The Australian System of Government

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Australia's federal system, including the division of powers between federal and state governments, to comprehend the role of the federal Parliament.

Democracy and Citizenship

Why: Prior knowledge of democratic principles, such as representation and the rule of law, is essential for understanding the purpose and functions of Parliament.

Key Vocabulary

Parliament	The supreme legislative body of Australia, comprising the Queen (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
House of Representatives	The lower house of the Australian Parliament, where most bills are introduced and debated. Members are elected from single-member electorates.
Senate	The upper house of the Australian Parliament, often called the 'chamber of review'. Senators are elected on a state-wide or territory-wide basis.
Bill	A proposed law that has been introduced into Parliament. If passed by both houses and assented to by the Governor-General, it becomes an Act of Parliament (a law).
Act of Parliament	A bill that has successfully passed through both houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent, thereby becoming law.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

You can't do anything to change things until you are 18.

What to Teach Instead

Young people can start petitions, join youth parliaments, and use social media to raise awareness for issues they care about. A 'Change-Makers' planning activity helps students see the power they already have.

Common Misconception

Protesting is the only way to get the government to listen.

What to Teach Instead

There are many other effective ways, such as writing letters to MPs, starting petitions, or working with community groups. Collaborative investigation into different methods helps students see the full 'toolkit' of active citizenship.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Change-Makers Plan

Groups identify a problem in their school or local area (e.g., more bike racks, less plastic in the canteen). They must create a plan for how to influence the 'decision-makers' using at least three different methods.

50 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Protest and Progress

Stations feature images and stories of famous Australian protests (e.g., the Freedom Ride, environmental protests). Students analyze what made these movements successful and what challenges they faced.

35 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Rights vs. Responsibilities

Students are given a 'right' (e.g., freedom of speech). They must discuss what 'responsibility' comes with that right (e.g., not using it to harm others) and share their ideas with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Students can research current bills being debated in the House of Representatives or the Senate on the Parliament of Australia website. This connects directly to how proposed laws, like those affecting environmental regulations or education funding, are discussed and potentially passed.
• Visiting Parliament House in Canberra, or watching Question Time online, allows students to see the live functioning of the legislature. They can observe the roles of the Speaker, ministers, and members of Parliament in action, mirroring the structure they are studying.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with a simplified flowchart of the law-making process. Ask them to label each stage with the correct term (e.g., First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Third Reading, Royal Assent) and briefly describe what happens at two of these stages.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If you could propose one new law for Australia, what would it be and why?' Facilitate a class discussion where students explain their proposed law, identify which house of Parliament might first debate it, and justify its need, linking to the functions of the legislature.

Exit Ticket

On a small card, ask students to write down one key difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate, and one similarity in their function within the Australian Parliament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an active citizen?

An active citizen is someone who takes an interest in their community and looks for ways to get involved and make a difference. This can include anything from volunteering to participating in political campaigns.

How can I contact my local Member of Parliament (MP)?

You can find your local MP's contact details on the official parliament website. You can write them a letter, send an email, or even request a meeting to discuss an issue that is important to you.

How can active learning help students become active citizens?

By using 'Project-Based Learning', where students actually work on a real-world issue, they develop the practical skills of research, communication, and teamwork. This active experience builds their confidence and shows them that their actions can have a real impact on the world around them.

What is a petition?

A petition is a formal written request, signed by many people, appealing to the government or an authority to do something about a specific issue. It is a powerful way to show that a large number of people care about a problem.