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Foundations of Democracy

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Foundations of Democracy

Read the information, then solve the questions to uncover how democracy works in Australia. Write in your own words where asked.

Democracy in action

Democracy is a way of making decisions in which people have a say. In Australia, eligible citizens vote in elections to choose representatives. Those representatives meet in parliaments and make laws. Elections are held regularly, and voters can choose different representatives at the next election. Australia’s Constitution is the set of fundamental rules for the national government. It began operating when the colonies joined together as the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The Constitution divides some powers between the Australian Parliament and the state parliaments. Local councils make decisions about local services. Democracy also depends on the rule of law: everyone, including leaders, must follow the law. Courts can decide how laws apply. Australia’s democratic system has developed over time, and it continues to change through laws, community action and referendums. In a referendum, voters decide whether to approve a proposed change to the Constitution. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for Country and made decisions in their communities for tens of thousands of years. British colonisation began in 1788 and brought British laws and institutions. This history includes the loss of First Nations peoples’ lands and rights. In the 1967 referendum, Australians voted to change parts of the Constitution relating to Aboriginal people. It did not give Aboriginal people the right to vote; federal voting rights had been extended to Indigenous Australians in 1962.

A timeline of change

These dates show some events connected with Australia’s democratic system. They do not show every important event or the full history of First Nations governance.

1.Match each date on the timeline with its event.

1788
1901
1962
1967

A referendum changed constitutional provisions relating to Aboriginal people.
British colonisation began.
The Constitution began operating as the colonies federated.
Indigenous Australians’ federal voting rights were extended.

2.Which statement best describes the Australian Constitution?

It sets out fundamental rules for the national government.
It is a list of every local council service.
It is a record of the results of every election.
It is a law that only applies to elected representatives.

3.At election time, eligible voters choose representatives. What is one reason regular elections are important in a democracy?

4.A local leader says, “The law does not apply to me because I am in charge.” Is this consistent with the rule of law? Explain your answer.

5.A town is deciding whether to add a new playground. Which level of government is most likely to make decisions about local parks and playgrounds?

Local council
Australian Parliament
A court
A referendum

6.Put these events in time order, from earliest to latest: the 1967 referendum; Federation and the Constitution beginning to operate; British colonisation beginning; Indigenous Australians’ federal voting rights being extended.

7.A proposed change to the Australian Constitution is put to voters in a referendum. What do voters decide?

8.In your own words, explain how voting and the rule of law each help democracy work. Give one idea for each.

9.A classmate says, “The 1967 referendum gave Aboriginal people the right to vote.” Use the information on this page to correct the statement.

10.Why is it important to learn about First Nations peoples’ decision-making and the effects of colonisation when studying Australian democracy?