Stage 2
Australian and International
Politics
Welcome to the Transition lecture for the
2014 to 2015 Stage 2 Politics students

You are the elite, the Politics class,
yon are be definition the best….you
simply need to prove it…..
What really matters in
the School based part of
the assessment?



Folio
3 pieces of work >30%
Sources Analysis 2 pieces of work >20%
Investigation
1 piece of work >20%
Australian Politics
Students study all four of the following topics to
differing degrees
1.
The Australian Constitution and Federalism
2.
Political Representation, Parliament, and the Executive
3.
Voting and Elections
4.
Political Parties.
The Australian Constitution and Federalism
Students consider in detail
1. the basic values and principles that underpin the Australian
Constitution and federalism
2. the role of the Australian Constitution in determining the
powers of the two tiers of government — federal and state or
territory;
3. the division and growth of power within the federation the
methods of resolving constitutional issue
4. current or recent issues in relation to the Australian
Constitution and federalism.
Political Representation, Parliament, and the Executive
Students consider in detail
1. political representation, parliament, the executive, the role of
cabinet (including the function of parliament)
2. the ideas of responsible government - representative government
and the separation of powers
3. the extent to which citizens can influence parliament at the
federal and state or territory levels and participate at the local
government level
4. current or recent issues in relation to representative and
responsible government.
Voting and Elections
Students consider in detail
1.
the electoral system - a comparison of different voting
systems
2.
compulsory voting and its impact on voting
3.
factors influencing voting patterns
4.
two or more recent elections
Political Parties
Students consider in detail
1.
political parties — ideology, policy, and practice
2.
the role of the major parties
3.
the impact of minor parties and independents
4.
political parties and independents in action today
at federal, state of territory , and local government
levels.
International Politics
Students study one topic from the following list:
1.
Global Citizenship
2.
Global Media
3.
Australian International Relations
4.
The United Nations
5.
The Politics of the Asia–Pacific Region
6.
The United States of America and World Affairs
7.
Comparative Political Systems.
The United States of America and World Affairs
1. America - superpower to global hegemon.
2.
The impact of 11 September 2001
3.
Various and alternative perspectives on American
foreign policy
4.
Relations between America and Australia.
INVESTIGATION
Students undertake one investigation on a local, national, or international
political issue of personal interest. In consultation with the teacher, they select
a recent political issue that involves a range of views and some level of
unresolved disputation.
Before proceeding, consideration should be given to the availability of
adequate sources.
Students define the issue as well as the people involved and the standpoints
they have adopted.
Students develop a hypothesis or focusing question(s) to guide their
investigation. They outline the scope of their investigation and plan their
investigative strategy (who, what, how, why, and where).
Students gather primary information, which may include
opinions from those involved in the issue; they determine who
is responsible for the origins of the issue or who is affected by
it.
Students apply their information literacy skills in researching
and using a range of primary and secondary sources. The
different political views and complex arguments on the issue
are analysed, synthesised, and evaluated.
Students argue their case as informed, active citizens, using
political terms and appropriate acknowledgment of sources.
They reflect on the relationship between politics, power, and
decision-making.
Examples of Investigation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Euthanasia
Same sex marriage
Sub corp
The rise of Clive
Jacqui
The cat debate
ISIS
G20
Tony
Australia in the United Nations
Legalise the planT!
Assad
Burnside Council
Should citizens be able to vote at 16/17?







Examples of Investigation
The new bike laws
Politics and Religion-a study centred mainly on
Paradise Community Church
Is there enough support for youth in Adelaide
suffering depression?
How has the federal government silenced
artistic dissent?
Is the SA government successfully dealing
with hoon drivers?
Do the Greens run the government?
The Egyptian Revolution…is this just the start?
Thanks