Year 8 Humanities and Social Sciences Civics and Citizenship PDF

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES YEAR 8 Civics and Ci...

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES YEAR 8 Civics and Citizenship The House of Representatives - 47th Parliament of Australia Concept Development CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP We will study the concepts of the Westminster system, democracy and participation. We will investigate: The types of law in Australia and how they are made. Consider the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens, and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. Explore different perspectives of Australian identity. ASSESSMENTS Format Timing Weight Content Topics covered: Multiple Choice Week 3 3% - Key concepts and definitions Test Thursday 24 October - Source Analysis Topics covered: Week 6 Part 1: Short Answer Topic Test 10% Friday 15 November Part 2: Source Analysis Part 3: Extended Response Major Components: Week 8 - Democratic Values and Constitution Island Task Part 4 10% Monday 25 November - National Identity - Governments and Political Structure Independent tasks set throughout the term. Independent Continuous 2% Participation in the Mock UN Conference will be Practice included. Learning Objective Students will understand the structure of the Australian government. Success Criteria Students can explain why Australia’s government is structured this way. create a diagram showing the structure of Australia’s government. respond to questions regarding the structure of the government. Concept Development Title: Key Concepts in Civics and Title Citizenship EQ EQ: 1. What are key terms relating to Civics Keywords and Citizenship? 2. What is the structure of the Australian Government? Notes Notes Homework (Do not rule up this section until we are finished with notes): Homework Answer EQ in Summary section Vocabulary CIVICS: the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens within a society or country. CITIZENSHIP: the position or status of being a citizen of a particular country. Concept Development Australian Government Diagram Concept Development CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING AUSTRALIA’S DEMOCRACY What is Australia’s system of government? Australia’s system of government is a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY. It is based on the WESTMINSTER SYSTEM of government. Key features include: Specifying (outlining) the power of the representatives, A written constitution… the government and the monarch (as head of state). comprising of the House of Representatives (lower A bicameral parliament… house) and Senate (upper house.) where citizens elect ‘members’ to parliament to Representative Democracy represent their interests and govern the country. All adult citizens can vote, regardless of wealth, race, Universal suffrage… gender. with the authority to overrule unconstitutional acts of An independent judiciary… the government. Concept Development CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Australia’s Democracy – The Parliament Describe Australia’s system of government. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyOH605fHW8 [1:40] The Represents Elected by citizens and represent monarch is the the people of Australia. King monarch in Members (in majority) form the Charles III Australia government. Activate Prior Knowledge What is democracy? Concept Development CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS A DEMOCRACY? 1. What is your understanding of ‘democracy’? 2. Write down at least three features you think a A democratic country has a system of government democracy has. in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making. A form of government in which power rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Concept Development WHAT IS A DEMOCRACY? “At the bottom of all the tributes paid to democracy is the little man, walking into the little booth, with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper – no amount of rhetoric or voluminous discussion can possibly diminish the overwhelming importance of the point.” Winston Churchill (2012). “Churchill: The Power of Words”, p.457, Da Capo Press Answer in your books: What does this famous quote tell you about democracy? Concept Development CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING 1. Write down what each of these words mean DEMOCRATIC VALUES to you. 2. Compare with your partner then be Our democracy is underpinned (supported) prepared to share with the class. by a number of key DEMOCRACTIC VALUES, including:  Respect  Equality  Fairness  Freedom These are beliefs held by our society. Concept Development Democratic Values Vocabulary Electorate: Australia is divided up into areas with a certain number of voters – these areas are called electorates. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2 022/may/17/australia-election-2022-federal-key-seats-intera ctive-seat-explorer-map-australian-electoral-divisions-margin al-to-watch Checks and balances: each branch of the government checks other branches don’t abuse powers and the power is balanced between the three branches evenly. Concept Development CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Australian Government Overview What are some In Australia, we have: structures which underpin Australia’s A system based on ‘liberal’ and ‘democratic’ ideals. system of government? A monarch as Head of State. A Prime Minister as Head of Government. Elected representatives who represent the needs and values of their electorates. 3 separate but equal branches of government – these are separated to create a system of checks and balances. Independent Practice Using your review booklet and the textbook, create your own mind map of the 6 key concepts. Include definitions, examples, symbols/drawings to help create the connections between the concepts. This can be a very helpful resource for revision! Lesson Closure In Australia, we have: A system based on ‘liberal’ and ‘democratic’ ideals. A monarch as Head of State. A Prime Minister as Head of Government. Elected representatives who represent the needs and values of their electorates. 3 separate but equal branches of government – these are separated to create a system of checks and balances. Australia’s system of government is a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY. Key features of our government include: A written constitution. A bicameral parliament. A representative democracy Universal suffrage. An independent judiciary.