Civics and citizenship
Concepts for developing understanding
The content in the civics and citizenship sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop understanding about government and democracy, laws and citizens and citizenship, diversity and identity. Students study the key institutions of Australia's democratic government, including state/territory and federal parliaments, and the responsibilities of electors and representatives (government and democracy). Students learn how state/territory and federal laws are made in a parliamentary system (law). Students examine Australian citizenship and reflect on the rights and responsibilities that being a citizen entails (citizenship and identity), and explore the obligations that people may have as global citizens (citizenship, diversity and identity).
Inquiry Questions
- What are the roles and responsibilities of the different levels of government in Australia?
- How are laws developed in Australia?
- What does it mean to be an Australian citizen?
(source: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au)
- Plus Plan
Traits of Good Citizens - Match-Up Activity
Identify and match characteristics of good citizens with this vocabulary-building activity.
- Free Plan
Forms of Government – Flashcards and Sorting Activity
A set of flashcards for students to review the various forms of government and sort them into categories.
- Plus Plan
Parliament of Australia Infographic Poster
A poster to display in the classroom that explains the Parliament of Australia.
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Bills and Laws in Australia Flipbook
Discover how bills become Australian law with this student-directed inquiry task.
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History and Features of Australia’s Parliamentary System - Teaching Slides
Explore the ins and outs of Australia’s parliamentary history with this comprehensive set of teaching slides.
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Responsibilities of Australia's Federal Government - Cloze Worksheet
Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australian federal governments with this differentiated cloze passage worksheet.
- Free Plan
Federal, State or Local Government? - Worksheet
Familiarise your students with the duties of local, state and federal governments in Australia with this sorting worksheet.
- Plus Plan
Systems of Government - Inquiry Task
Research different systems of government around the world with this inquiry-based project.
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The Role of the Monarchy in Australia's Parliamentary System - Mini-Book
Discover the role of the monarchy in Australia’s parliamentary system with this informative printable mini-book.
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Responsibilities of Australia's State Governments - Cloze Worksheet
Explore the roles and responsibilities of state and territory governments around Australia with this differentiated cloze passage worksheet.
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The Senate Infographic Poster
A poster to display in the classroom explaining the structure of the Senate.
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The House of Representatives Infographic Poster
A poster to display in the classroom explaining the structure of the House of Representatives.
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Separation of Powers Infographic Poster
A poster to display in the classroom explaining how the powers of Parliament are separated between the Judiciary, Executive Government, and Parliament.
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Classroom Energy Audit Worksheet
An investigation that will have students observing the energy usage in their classroom and proposing action to reduce energy waste.
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Bills and Laws in Australia – Word Wall
Learn vocabulary related to bills and laws in Australia with this set of 16 word wall cards.
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Australian Government Word Wall Vocabulary
Learn vocabulary related to Australia's Federal Government with this set of 42 word wall cards.
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Australia's System of Government Unit Plan
This Civics and Citizenship unit addresses a range of Australian government concepts involving democratic systems, roles and responsibilities of government and the process of making laws.
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Three Levels of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of the Australian government.
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Australian Parliament
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the place and purpose of Australian Parliament.
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Australian Laws
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand why we have laws in Australia.
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Systems of Government - Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of government systems.
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The Bill Process
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the process of passing a bill in Australia.
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Running a Country
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify a range of services in the community for which the government is responsible.
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Australia's System of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore Australia's system of government.
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Different Systems of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of government systems.
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A System of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify reasons why a country needs a system of government.