The Sensational World of Civics!
Politics … a total snoozefest, right? Wrong!
How our government works and the decisions it makes reaches into almost every part of our everyday lives. How and why you go to school, the sports you play, the roads you drive on, the hospitals you rely on, the kind of society you’re going to grow up and live in, and so much more...
So settle in as we explore the history of Australian democracy and pull apart how our system of government works .. it’ll be heaps more fun than it sounds. Promise!
Episode 1: Why Canberra
So, you want to set up a country? Here’s how it’s done …
How Australia became a country; the road to Federation; why Canberra was chosen as our nation’s capital; the building of Parliament House; and why thousands of meat pies were buried in the process.
WORKSHEET FOR EPISODE ONE_ WHY CANBERRA
For the full episode transcript, click here.
Episode 2: What's an election?
Now that we’ve got a Parliament House, we need to fill it ...
A brief rundown on federal elections, the Westminster system, political parties and how every community in Australia chooses someone to go to Canberra, to sit in the big house on the hill and make decisions on their behalf.
WORKSHEET FOR EPISODE TWO_ WHAT'S AN ELECTION
For the full episode transcript, click here.
Episode 3: What happens in Parliament?
So, you’ve sent your representative to Canberra - but what exactly do they do there?
A brief overview of the House of Representatives and the Senate. How laws are created and how the shoutfest known as Question Time is a really important part of our democracy.
WORKSHEET FOR EPISODE 3_ WHAT HAPPENS IN PARLIAMENT
For the full episode transcript, click here.
Episode 4: How can kids get involved?
So, now you know how our political system works, how do you get involved?
All politics is local - and that means whatever is happening in your town, in your suburb or in your school or home is important; how to communicate with your local MP; how to turn your passion into political activism and help shape the world you're going to grow up and live in.
WORKSHEET FOR EPISODE 4_ WHAT CAN KIDS DO
For the full episode transcript, click here.