Explore the three levels of government
Explore the three levels of government – federal, state, and local – with this classroom activity. Investigate the responsibilities of each level by forming taskforces to respond to major events.
What will I learn?
- The roles and responsibilities of the different levels of government
- Why Australia has three levels of government
- Ways in which the three levels of government work together to provide the services Australians need
Resource links
Getting started
Read through this fact sheet to learn how the three levels of government work together to provide us with the services we need.
Discuss with students the following questions:
- What are the three levels of government called?
- What is each level responsible for?
Activity (45 minutes)
- Organise the class into taskforces of 3 to 4 students.
- Give each group a scenario.
- Using the worksheet, ask the students to analyse the possible needs and consequences of the scenario. Who will be affected and how? Which services will be needed to help?
- Ask the students to develop a plan, including the necessary services and all aspects of administration, communication, coordination, and human resources needs.
- Ask a spokesperson from each taskforce to present their plan to the class and ask other students for their questions and comments.
Discussion questions:
- What are the benefits of having three levels of government in Australia?
- Are there any challenges that might arise from having three levels of government?
Extension
Research the Tasmanian Franklin Dam Case as an example of a conflict between the federal government and a state government. The Australian Parliament history timeline is a good place to start. Ask students to find out:
- What did the Tasmanian Government want and why?
- What did the federal government want and why?
- Why did the problem go to the High Court?
- How did the High Court resolve the issue? Why was their decision important?