The Australian Constitution is the bedrock of our society. Since 1901 it has underpinned our story of nation building through a world history that lurched between war and peace.
The Constitution has been a remarkably successful rule book. It guides us daily as citizens in our communities so we can get on with our lives in a safe and stable system of government.
Before the Constitution came into being, a group of six separate British colonies had to agree to unite. Colonial parliaments had to feel comfortable that they retained enough of their powers. The voting population wanted to pioneer rights such as a fair go in a free and just society. At this time most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and most women did not have the vote. The writers of the Constitution wanted to entrench foundation principles that would ensure the branches of Government had checks and balances to limit their powers.
We were fortunate to get a Constitution that can evolve and change to meet the needs of a progressing country. Alterations can only happen through a vote by all the people. Yet research suggests many people today don’t understand the importance of our Constitution. We hope our Educational Program and our Exhibition at the High Court, Canberra demonstrate how the Constitution works and that it is a national treasure. Knowledge of our Constitution’s history and story will help you realise what a great system of government we have in Australia. You will also explore how your own life, in your own community, benefits from the Constitution.
The Constitution has been a remarkably successful rule book. It guides us daily as citizens in our communities so we can get on with our lives in a safe and stable system of government.
Before the Constitution came into being, a group of six separate British colonies had to agree to unite. Colonial parliaments had to feel comfortable that they retained enough of their powers. The voting population wanted to pioneer rights such as a fair go in a free and just society. At this time most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and most women did not have the vote. The writers of the Constitution wanted to entrench foundation principles that would ensure the branches of Government had checks and balances to limit their powers.
We were fortunate to get a Constitution that can evolve and change to meet the needs of a progressing country. Alterations can only happen through a vote by all the people. Yet research suggests many people today don’t understand the importance of our Constitution. We hope our Educational Program and our Exhibition at the High Court, Canberra demonstrate how the Constitution works and that it is a national treasure. Knowledge of our Constitution’s history and story will help you realise what a great system of government we have in Australia. You will also explore how your own life, in your own community, benefits from the Constitution.
The Journey: How Australia Came To Be
It’s 1901 and Matilda and Banjo are on their way to the party of the century. All the different colonies in Australia have agreed to come together as one country and it’s very exciting. One country, one set of rules, one people. We are all united under something called the Constitution. But how on earth did everyone agree to come together? It’s hard enough to get a family to agree on what to eat for dinner, let alone bring a whole country together.
Click here for Lesson Resource for ACHASSK134
It’s 1901 and Matilda and Banjo are on their way to the party of the century. All the different colonies in Australia have agreed to come together as one country and it’s very exciting. One country, one set of rules, one people. We are all united under something called the Constitution. But how on earth did everyone agree to come together? It’s hard enough to get a family to agree on what to eat for dinner, let alone bring a whole country together.
Click here for Lesson Resource for ACHASSK134
Schools Civics and Citizenship teaching and learning resources in support of the Australian Curriculum