This resource is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship for Year 8 students, with specific reference to the two content descriptions on government and democracy. The resource supports cross-curriculum priorities and promotes civics and citizenship skills relating to questioning and research, and analysis, synthesis and interpretation.
The freedoms that enable active participation in Australia’s democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement (ACHCK061)
- explaining how each freedom supports active participation in Australia’s democracy
- discussing how and why ‘the bounds of law’ can limit these freedoms
- considering the circumstances that can lead to dissent in a democracy
- debating how to manage situations when rights and freedoms are in conflict (for example, whether it should be a matter for parliaments or judges to resolve)
How citizens can participate in Australia’s democracy, including use of the electoral system, contact with their elected representatives, use of lobby groups, and direct action (ACHCK062)
- comparing the effectiveness of different forms of participation in Australia’s democracy
- exploring how elected representatives can advocate on behalf of citizens
- investigating examples where citizens have taken direct action such as organising a public demonstration or social media campaign
- exploring the different ways that citizens can participate in and support Australia’s democracy through their working lives, such as by serving in the armed services or as a reservist, teaching, representing Australia abroad as a diplomat or aid worker, or joining the police service or the public service
