Week 1 – What is Democracy?

• Explore democratic values and the decision-making process in Australia.

What is democracy?

Getting started

Introduce the word 'democracy' to your students. Democracy means rule by the people. The word comes from the ancient Greek words ‘demos’ (the people) and ‘kratos’ (to rule). A democratic country has a system of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making.

Each democracy is unique and works in different ways. In some democracies citizens help make decisions directly by voting on laws and policy proposals (direct democracy). In others, like Australia, citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf (representative democracy).

Australia’s democracy is supported by 4 key ideas: Active and engaged citizens, An inclusive and equitable society, Free and franchised elections, A rule of law for both citizens and the government

As a class, brainstorm some different examples of ways in which Australia is democratic. Use the discussion starters to explore the 4 key ideas of Australia's democracy.

Under each democratic idea, discussion starters are listed from easier (personally relatable) to more complex (abstract thinking). Select the ones that will work best for your class and the discussion strategy you have chosen.

• Activity: Begin with a quick game called "Decision Dilemma." Present a scenario where a decision needs to be made (e.g., choosing a class activity). Ask students how they think the decision should be made.

• Discussion: Highlight different decision-making methods: individual decision, majority vote, random selection, etc.
  
  

2. Exploring Democracy

• Definition Match: Distribute "What is Democracy?" definition cards. In pairs, students match definitions with key democratic principles (e.g., freedom of speech, equality, voting rights).

• Class Discussion: Discuss the matched definitions and relate them to students' experiences.

• Compare democratic and non-democratic systems.