This topic explains how liberal democracy developed in the Western world and in at least one recent emerging democracy. The topic studies contemporary democracy and government in Australia viewed against its origins in British and American democracy and, more broadly, the ideas that inspired democracy and the evolution of citizenship. The topic explores how Western political ideas and values influence current policy debates and introduces questions concerning the power of the media, big business, labour unions and social movements. Students will also examine the key institutions of government, and how they work and have changed over time.
Students will also ponder political life in a country with an authoritarian system of government. The topic will also focus on a few key policy disputes over matters such as, refugee, indigenous and climate change policy and whether Australia should adopt a bill of rights.
This topic aims to:
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.