Australian Politics
Unit 1 & 2
Course Description
Unit 1 and 2 Australian Politics will explore how power is gained and exercised. It considers the significant ideas about organising political systems and features of the way politics is practised in Australia. It evaluates Australian democratic practices against particular ideas and principles that include representation, respect for rights, recognition of diversity and freedom of speech. Australian Politics compares Australian democracy with the system of democracy of the United States of America. The study also examines the ways that the national government uses its power to make and implement public policy, and the national stakeholders and international challenges that influence that policy.
Unit 1: Ideas, actors and power
In this unit students will be introduced to the key ideas relating to the exercise of political power. They explore how these ideas shape political systems and in particular the characteristics of liberalism. They consider the nature of power in Australian democracy and in a non-democratic political system. They also explore the nature and influence of key political actors in Australia: political parties, interest groups and the media. All these forms of participation in Australian democracy influence the political agenda. This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- identify and explain key ideas relating to the exercise of political power
- analyse and evaluate different approaches to governmental power by comparing Australian democracy with a non-democratic political system.
Assessment Tasks
AOS1: Extended-response questions
AOS2A: Case Study
AOS2B: Research Report
Unit 2: Political actors and power
In this area of study students explore the roles and functions of key political actors in the Australian system. Political parties are a critical part of the Australian system of politics. They can formulate and advance ideas which are contested in elections. If successful, a party can form government and shape the political agenda. Unlike political parties, interest groups do not usually seek parliamentary representation. Rather, they seek to influence the government of the day about particular issues. These issues may be local and/or global. The media also plays a significant role in reporting and interpreting Australian politics. This area of study explores the ways social media and the 24-hour news cycle influence political debate. Students investigate case studies of political parties, interest groups and media issues to analyse the importance of these forms of participation in the Australian political system.
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
explain and analyse the roles and functions of political parties, interest groups and the media and their influence on participation in Australian politics.
Assessment Tasks
AOS1: Powerpoint Presentation
AOS2A: Case Study
AOS2B: Extended Response Questions
Textbook requirements:
Australian & Global Politics VCE Units 1 & 2 (1st edition), ISBN: 978-0-9953545-2-4, Authors: Nick Melaisis, Olivera Nikolovska and Andreas Vaszolyi
Resources/Requirements:
School laptop provided in School Bundle
A4 Exercise Book & pens
Additional Costs: None
Career Pathways
What Courses/Careers this could lead to:
Policy Analyst.
Legislative Assistant.
Public Relations Specialist.
Social Media Manager.
Marketing Research Analyst.
Political Consultant.
Attorney.
Intelligence Analyst.
Academic