Democracy & Liberal Democracy

Curriculum Context

Subject Area: Civics and Citizenship
Year Level: Year 12
Australian Curriculum Links:

• ACHCK090 – The key features of Australia's democratic system of government and how it is shaped by the Constitution.
• ACHCK091 – Principles of justice in different contexts.
• ACHCK093 – Australia's role in the international community.

This lesson will provide students with an in-depth understanding of democracy, liberal democracy, and how Australia implements and promotes these democratic principles both domestically and internationally.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define democracy and liberal democracy.
2. Compare and contrast features of liberal democracy in Australia and other nations.
3. Analyse Australia's role in promoting democracy abroad.
4. Evaluate challenges to liberal democracy at home and internationally.

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Lesson Structure (120 Minutes)

1. Introduction – What is Democracy? (15 Minutes)

• Discussion Starter: Begin with a think-pair-share activity: "If democracy disappeared tomorrow, how would your daily life change?"
• Teacher Explanation: Outline the fundamental principles of democracy (majority rule, political participation, constitutional government).
• Class Activity: Write 'Democracy' on the board. In groups, students contribute words or phrases they associate with democracy. Discuss responses.

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2. Deep Dive into Liberal Democracy (25 Minutes)

• Teacher Presentation: Explain what distinguishes liberal democracy from democracy (rule of law, separation of powers, protection of freedoms).
• Case Study Analysis:
  • Examine Australia’s liberal democratic system (Constitution, key institutions, checks and balances).
  • Compare briefly with another system (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Singapore).
  • Prompt discussion: "Does Australia's liberal democracy work better than others?"

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3. Liberal Democracy in Australia vs the World (30 Minutes)

• Small Group Research Task: Each group investigates a different topic:
  • Case Study 1: Australia’s election system vs. US presidential democracy.
  • Case Study 2: Australian High Court’s role vs. judicial independence in authoritarian regimes.
  • Case Study 3: Media freedom in Australia vs. restrictions elsewhere (e.g., Hong Kong, Russia).
• Socratic Discussion: Groups present findings in a roundtable discussion.

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4. Australia’s Role in Promoting Democracy Abroad (20 Minutes)

• Teacher-Led Overview:
  • Australia’s involvement in democratic promotion (e.g., Pacific region, involvement in international organisations).
  • Case study: Australian aid supporting electoral processes in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
• Debate Activity: Split class into two sides debating:
  • "Australia has a moral responsibility to support democracies abroad."

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5. Challenges to Liberal Democracy (20 Minutes)

• Class Brainstorm: What are the current threats to democracy worldwide?
• Mini-Case Study Analysis:
  • Political polarisation in Australia.
  • Influence of social media on public perception and disinformation.
  • Rise of authoritarian influence in Asia-Pacific.
• Reflection Exercise: Students write a short response: "How can young Australians help uphold democracy?"

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6. Conclusion and Review (10 Minutes)

• Quick Review Quiz (Mentimeter or Kahoot-style if possible).
• Exit Ticket Reflection:
  • One thing they learned.
  • One question they still have.

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Assessment & Differentiation

• Assessment Types:
  • Informal assessment via participation in discussions and research tasks.
  • Short reflective writing on key challenges in democracy.
• Differentiation:
  • Provide scaffolding for students needing support (e.g., guided questions).
  • Extension questions for advanced learners, such as “Would Australia benefit from an alternative democratic model?”

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Resources & Materials

• Printed resources on Australia's democratic institutions (summarised extracts from the Australian Constitution).
• Videos on comparative government structures.
• Online news articles on democracy in the Asia-Pacific.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson will help Year 12 students critically explore liberal democracy, its role in Australian society, and how it extends beyond national borders.