Understanding parliament

The slide deck is divided into sections, and is intended to be used flexibly by selecting, rearranging and deleting slides. Where possible, the concepts have been represented using images and/or flowcharts. The sections include:

• Parliament
• The work of an MP
• Representation across the two chambers
• Process of making laws
• Committee inquiries
• Engaging with parliament

The accompanying notes include:

• relevant resources, including teaching and additional resources
• definitions of key terminology relating to each section
• one-page explanations of each of the concepts

• Classroom connections

  This resource is appropriate for Grades 5 through to VCE, specifically when investigating concepts around systems and levels of government, separation of powers, representation, parliament processes, and how to engage with parliament. 

   

  Grades 5 & 6

  At Grades 5 & 6 students “describe the roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government" (VCCCG009), "identify the roles and responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia's democracy" (VCCCG011) and "explain how state ... laws are initiated and passed through parliament" (VCCCL012). 

   

  Years 7 & 8 

  At Years 7 & 8 students "describe key geatures of government ... including the separation of powers, the Executive, the role of the houses of parliament [sic], and the division of powers" (VCCCG018) and "explain how citizens can participate in [Victoria's] democracy, including the use of the electoral system, contact with their elected represenatives ... and direct action" (VCCCG020). 

   

  Years 9 to 10

  At Years 9 & 10 students “discuss the role of political parties and independent representatives ... including the formation of governments, and explain the process through which government policy is shaped and developed" (VCCCG028) and "discuss challenges to and ways of sustaining a resillent democracy and cohesive society" (VCCCC036). 

• Related resources

  The resources below provide an overview and teaching activities relating to some of the core concepts. The teaching notes include further teaching resources relating to each section.

   

  Three levels of government flashcards

  This resource explores which level of government is responsible for particular services and issues, and therefore consider which level of government they could contact or direct their actions towards.

   

  How parliament works

  The video series explores various aspects of parliament's work, including the law-making process and the work of committees.

   

  Representation and Democracy

  Through the activities provided in this teaching guide, students can explore how different models of representation affect decision-making, as well as comparing and contrasting direct and representative systems of democracy. Each of the activities asks students to reflect on the ways that different models of representation and decision-making may affect people’s perspectives on democracy.

   

  Engaging with parliament

  Download and print your own set of classroom posters outlining the ways people can engage with parliament. Designed as simple flowcharts that include the process, key information and QR codes for more information, these can be used to prompt students to get involved and take part in some of Victoria's democratic systems.

   

  Action and Influence

  This resource explores the different actions people can take to create change, and the nature of their influence, from small-scale, local outcomes to coordinated actions that can have global impact.