Power and the people: Australia’s Constitution

Refresh student knowledge of concepts covered in Year 6 to 8 with the following resources:

• Find out how the Australian government is formed and who makes up the Executive with this interactive poster.
• Discuss the democratic values that underpin Australia's system of government with these discussion starter activities.
• Read our fact sheets on Federation, how laws are made and the role of senators and members of the House of Representatives.

• Use one device to dial in. Use a laptop/tablet with a camera, microphone and web browser.
• Position your camera so the class is visible to the PEO educator.
• Most teachers use a smartboard or TV – make sure you check the speakers/microphone settings in Teams.
• Seat students near the microphone or have space for them to approach it.
• Do not record the session.
• A teacher or adult must remain with the group throughout the digital programs as part of our risk management policy and commitment to child safety.
• We appreciate your help in managing behaviour and facilitating activities and discussions. 

Continue the learning in your classroom with these activities:

• Discover how the High Court of Australia rules on constitutional disputes through role play in the interpret the Constitution classroom activity.
• Investigate a potential change to the Constitution by holding a class referendum.
• Explore why the authors of the Australian Constitution designed our Parliament to have both a House of Representatives and a Senate using the create a new federation activity.
• Test students knowledge of the Australian Constitution by taking a quiz.
• Explore referendums including the 1967, 1999 and 2023 referendums on the Australian Parliament history timeline. Examine High Court decisions in Boilermakers Case 1956 or the Franklin Dam Case 1983. Find more on the National Firearms Agreement 1996 and the Communist Party Dissolution Act 1950.
• View, search or listen to the full text of the Australian Constitution online. Examine historical documents which influenced the Australian Constitution, including scans of the original Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.