Politics and Law Syllabus

POLITICS AND LAW
Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

For teaching 2012, examined in 2012
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Syllabus review
Once a course syllabus has been accredited by the Curriculum Council, the implementation of that syllabus will be monitored by the
Course Advisory Committee. This committee can advise Council about any need for syllabus review. Syllabus change deemed to be
minor requires schools to be notified of the change at least six months before implementation. Major syllabus change requires schools
to be notified 18 months before implementation. Formal processes of syllabus review and requisite reaccreditation will apply.
Other sources of information
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) Manual contains essential information on assessment, moderation and other
procedures that need to be read in conjunction with this course.
The Curriculum Council will support teachers in delivering the course by providing resources and professional development online.
The Curriculum Council website www.curriculum.wa.edu.au provides support materials including sample programs, assessment
outlines, assessment tasks, with marking keys, sample examinations with marking keys and grade descriptions with annotated student
work samples.
WACE providers
Throughout this course booklet the term school is intended to include both schools and other WACE providers.
Currency statement
This document may be subject to minor updates. Users who download and print copies of this document are responsible for checking
for updates. Advice about any changes made to the document is provided through the Curriculum Council communication processes.
Copyright
Curriculum Council, 2008.
This documentapart from any third party copyright material contained in itmay be freely copied or communicated for non-commercial purposes by educational institutions,
provided that it is not changed in any way and that the Curriculum Council is acknowledged as the copyright owner.
Copying or communication for any other purpose can be done only within the terms of the Copyright Act or by permission of the Curriculum Council.
Copying or communication of any third party copyright material contained in this document can be done only within the terms of the Copyright Act or by permission of the copyright
owners.
2008/16008[v15]

Rationale
Course outcomes
Politics and Law is a critical study of the processes

of decision-making concerning societys collective
future. The study of politics examines the structures
and processes through which individuals and
groups with different interests, beliefs and goals,
deliberate and negotiate in order to make choices,
respond to changing circumstances and enact laws.
The study of law examines the system of laws
governing the conduct of the people of a
community, society or nation, in response to the
need for regularity, consistency and justice based
upon collective human experience.
Outcomes are statements of what students should

know, understand, value and be able to do because
of their learning. Politics and Law is designed to
facilitate the achievement of four outcomes. These
outcomes are based upon the Society and
Environment learning area outcomes in the
Curriculum Framework. Outcomes are statements
of what students should know, understand, value
and be able to do as a result of the syllabus content
taught.
Law and politics relate through the judicial,

executive and legislative arms of government;
together they constitute how societies are
governed. Laws generally embody social and
political values that usually have a philosophical
foundation. Therefore, a close relationship exists
between politics and law.
The study of Politics and Law contributes to
students
intellectual,
social,
and
ethical
development. The course aims to support all
students in developing a sense of identity, and a
sense of political, legal, cultural and social
awareness. The study of Politics and Law can be a
valuable background to careers such as law,
political advocacy, public administration, community
development, teaching, journalism, government and
commerce.
The Politics and Law course aims to develop
knowledge and understanding of the principles,
structures, institutions, processes, and practices of
political and legal systems, primarily in Australia
and where appropriate, other systems. The course
challenges students to critically examine the
effectiveness of political and legal systems using
criteria such as openness, responsiveness and
accountability of those systems. The political and
legal issues examined in the course are relevant to
school, local, state, national and international
communities.
The skills and values developed in the Politics and
Law course aim to allow students to become
informed, active and effective participants in the
political and legal decisions that affect their lives
and the future of their communities at the school,
local, state, national and international levels.
This course provides students with the opportunity
to further their achievement of specific overarching
learning outcomes from the Curriculum Framework
together with the development of the core-shared
values. These are the pursuit of knowledge,
commitment to achievement of potential, respect for
self, respect for others and social and civic
responsibility.
Outcome 1: Political and legal inquiry

Students use inquiry skills to communicate an
understanding of the principles, structures,
institutions, processes and practices of political and
legal systems.
In achieving this outcome, students:
plan ways to collect and organise information
for the purpose of a political and legal inquiry;
conduct an inquiry using a variety of sources of
information;
process and translate information to make
findings and judgements; and
apply and communicate findings according to
purpose and audience.
Outcome 2: Political and legal systems
Students understand the operation of, and the
relationship between political and legal systems.
understand
the
principles,
structures,
institutions, processes and practices of political
and legal systems; and
understand the relationships between making,
applying and enforcing the law.
Outcome 3: Stability and change in political and
legal systems
Students understand the nature of stability and
change in political and legal systems.
understand that internal and external factors
can influence the stability of, and changes to
political and legal systems; and
understand that individuals and groups can
influence the stability of, and changes to
political and legal systems.
Outcome 4: Citizenship in political and legal
systems
Students understand the skills and practices of
citizenship and the factors that influence
participation in political and legal systems.
understand the skills and practices of
citizenship that can allow individuals and groups
to participate in political and legal systems; and
understand that citizenship can be influenced
by the operation of political and legal systems.

Course content
The course content needs to be the focus of the
teaching and learning program. The primary focus
of the content is the Australian political and legal
system. It enables students to maximise their
achievement of the Curriculum Frameworks
overarching learning outcomes and the Politics and
Law outcomes.
The course is divided into three content areas:
political and legal systems
political and legal issues
political and legal research.
Political and legal systems

Structures and processes
Political and legal systems have different types of
lawmaking and dispute resolution structures and
processes. These structures and processes have
strengths and weaknesses. In Australia and other
common law systems, parliaments and courts make
laws. Parliaments do this through elected
representatives who make and amend statute laws.
Courts do this through judicial decisions creating
the common law and its sets of legal principles.
This involves applying and developing case law
precedents and judicial decisions interpreting and
applying laws made by parliaments. In non common
law systems, courts uphold a system of codified
laws developed by lawmaking bodies.
Political and legal power
The study of political power centres on the role of
the executive arm of government to determine and
administer policy, investigate breeches of the law
and protect and maintain social order. An
executives structures, rules and processes vary
from state to international levels. The study of legal
power centres on the authority of the legislative and
judicial arms of government to make laws. Different
forms of legal power have different structures and
processes. Political and legal power might or might
not be supported by legitimate authority founded on
law or tradition.
Participation and negotiation
Avenues of participation in a political and legal
system affect the influence individuals and groups
have in decision-making processes. Avenues for
participation exist at formal and informal levels.
Differences in these avenues reflect different
conceptions and processes of citizenship.
Political and legal issues

Opinions and priorities
Political and legal systems exhibit strengths and
weaknesses. Critical examinations of political and
legal systems must recognise the influence of
different opinions and priorities. Opinions and
priorities can change over time and consequently,
perceptions of political and legal issues can also

change over time.
Formal and informal debate of political and legal
issues reflects contested opinions and priorities
within a society. Debate can centre on discussions
involving reform and might lead to the
reinforcement or modification of the principles,
structures, institutions, processes and practices of
political and legal systems.
Internal and external factors
A range of internal and external factors can
influence political and legal systems. Relevant
factors include international political and legal
systems, non-government organisations, and
unexpected and expected events.
Participation of individuals and groups
There are differences in the capacity of individuals
and groups to participate in political and legal
systems. In addition, the impact of political and
legal systems on individuals and groups vary. The
means of exercising power, judicial independence,
representation, the extent of popular participation,
natural justice and the rule of law are important
factors when examining the participation of
individuals and groups in a political and legal
system.
Political and legal research

Research centres on the critical examination of the
operation and key features of political and legal
systems.
Research includes:
identifying, defining, distinguishing, analysing
and evaluating principles and terms
describing,
discussing,
analysing
and
evaluating the operation and key features of
political and legal systems
analysing statute law, common law, political
decisions and legal decisions
distinguishing between fact and opinion, theory
and practice and formal and informal processes
identifying
and
evaluating
alternative
conclusions
identifying or proposing solutions
predicting
intended
or
unintended
consequences.
Communication includes:
political and legal formats, terminology and
techniques to suit an audience
techniques to: explore ideas, and construct
reasoned arguments
methods to acknowledge and reference
sources.

Course units
Each unit is defined with a particular focus through
which the specific unit content can be taught and
learnt. The cognitive difficulty of the content
increases with each stage. The pitch of the content
for each stage is notional and there will be overlap
between stages. In all the units the primary focus of
the content is the Australian political and legal
system.
Stage 1 units provide bridging support and a
practical and applied focus to help students develop
skills required to be successful for Stage 2 units.
Stage 2 units provide opportunities for applied
learning but there is a focus more on academic
learning.
Stage 3 units provide opportunities to extend
knowledge and understandings in challenging
academic learning contexts.
Unit 1APAL
The focus for this unit is political and legal
decision-making. Students examine the difference
between democratic and non-democratic systems
of government, how laws are made and the means
of participation by individuals and groups in different
systems.
Unit 1BPAL
The focus for this unit is civil and political rights.
Students examine the settlement of disputes in
society and the ways in which individuals rights can
be promoted or undermined.
Unit 2APAL
systems. Students critically examine the legislative,
executive and judicial structures and processes of
political and legal systems. Political and legal
issues are used to provide a contemporary context
for the course.
governments in Australia is also critically examined.

Political and legal issues are used to provide a
contemporary context for the course.
Unit 3BPAL
The focus for this unit is rights and governance.
Students critically examine the structures,
processes and procedures of accountability in
relation to the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of government. The protection of rights in
Australia and one other country and the ways in
which democratic principles can be upheld or
undermined in Australia and one other country are
also critically examined. Political and legal issues
are used to provide a contemporary context for the
course.
Time and completion

requirements
The notional hours for each unit are 55 class
contact hours. Units can be delivered typically in a
semester or in a designated time period up to a
year depending on the needs of the students. Pairs
of units can also be delivered concurrently over a
one year period. Schools are encouraged to be
flexible in their timetabling in order to meet the
needs of all of their students.
A unit is completed when all assessment
requirements for that unit have been met. Only
completed units will be recorded on a student's
statement of results.
Refer to the WACE Manual for details about unit
completion and course completion.
Resources
Teacher support materials are available on the
Curriculum Council website extranet and can be
found at: http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au/
Unit 2BPAL
The focus for this unit is representation and
justice. Students critically examine the concept of
representation, electoral and voting systems, civil
and criminal law processes. Political and legal
for the course.
Unit 3APAL
The focus for this unit is political and legal power.
Students critically examine the roles and powers of
the legislative, executive and judicial branches of
government. They consider the influence of
individuals, political parties and pressure groups on
the lawmaking process of parliament and the
courts. The operation of federalism and the balance
of power between the Commonwealth and the State
Vocational Education
and Training
information
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is
nationally recognised training that provides people
with occupational knowledge and skills and credit
towards, or attainment of, a vocational education
and training qualification under the Australian
Qualifications Framework (AQF).

When considering VET delivery in WACE courses it

is necessary to:
refer to the WACE Manual, Section 5: Vocational
Education and Training, and
contact education sector/systems representatives
for information on operational issues concerning
VET delivery options in schools.
Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
AQTF is the quality system that underpins the
national vocational education and training (VET)
sector and outlines the regulatory arrangements in
states and territories. It provides the basis for a
nationally consistent, high-quality VET system.
The AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for
Registered Training Organisations outline a set of
auditable standards that must be met and
maintained for registration as a training provider in
Australia.
VET integrated delivery
VET integrated within a WACE course involves
students undertaking one or more VET units of
competency concurrently with a WACE course unit.
No unit equivalence is given for units of
competency attained in this way.
VET integrated can be delivered by schools
providing they meet AQTF requirements. Schools
need to become a Registered Training Organisation
(RTO) or work in a partnership arrangement with an
RTO to deliver training within the scope for which
they are registered. If a school operates in
partnership with an RTO, it will be the responsibility
of the RTO to assure the quality of the training
delivery and assessment.
Units of competency from related training package
qualifications have been considered during the
development of this course but no units of
competency have been suggested for integration.

Assessment
Refer to the WACE Manual for policy and principles
for
both
school-based
assessment
and
examinations.
School-based assessment
The four types of assessment in the table below are
consistent with the teaching and learning strategies
considered to be the most supportive of student
achievement of the outcomes in the Politics and Law
course. The table provides details of the
assessment types, including examples of different
ways that they can be applied and the weighting
range for each assessment type.
Teachers are to use the assessment table to
develop their own assessment outlines.
An assessment outline needs to be developed for
each class group enrolled in each unit of the course.
This outline includes a range of assessment tasks
that cover all assessment types and course
outcomes with specific weightings. If units are
delivered concurrently, assessment requirements
must still be met for each unit.
In developing assessment outlines and teaching

programs the following guidelines should be taken
into account.
All tasks should take into account teaching,

learning and assessment principles from the
Curriculum Framework.
There is flexibility within the assessment

framework for teachers to design school-based
assessment tasks to meet the learning needs
of students.
Student responses may be communicated in

any appropriate form e.g. written, oral,
graphical, and multimedia or various
combinations of these.
Student work submitted to demonstrate

achievement of outcomes should only be
accepted if the teacher can attest that, to the
best of her/his knowledge, all uncited work is
the students own.
Evidence collected for each unit should include

tasks conducted under test conditions.
Assessment table
Weightings for types
Stages 2
Stage 1
and 3
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
An investigation in Politics and Law can incorporate open-ended or directed research tasks. It involves the reporting
of the investigations focus, propositions/hypothesises developed, analysis of sources and evidence, and conclusions
reached Sources can include secondary materials, primary sources and direct research through techniques such as
surveying and polling.
Formats can include extended formal reports, investigative essays, simulations of political and legal processes (e.g.
submissions to parliamentary inquiries), tests, multimedia presentations, oral reports or a combination of these.
Suited to the collection of evidence of student achievement of all outcomes.
2040%
Explanation
An explanation can respond to a question, proposition, point of debate or concept and can include description,
assessment, appraisal, analysis and evaluation. Formats can include, tests, short written responses, extended
written responses such as reports and essays, multimedia presentations, oral reports including speeches and
simulations of political and legal processes such as mock parliaments, mock trials or a combination of these.
2040%
2040%
Source analysis
Sources used can include media reports, commentary, opinion or creative responses to political and legal events or
issues. Responses are designed to assess a students ability to identify propositions, distinguish between fact and
opinion, identify sources and assess impact of bias, assess the relevance and weigh the significance of evidence
presented, analyse points of view and evaluate the implications for wider political and legal events and society in
general. Resources can include, statistics such as opinion polls and election results, newspapers (reportage,
analysis, editorials, letters, opinion columns, cartoons); radio, television, video and film (news, current affairs,
documentaries, dramas, political comedy), internet sites, statutes, bills, political speeches and law reports.
Formats can include short and extended written responses that are completed in test and non-test conditions and
oral, multimedia presentations or a combination of these.
020%
2030%
Examination
The examination comprises a combination of short answers, source analysis and essays
2040%
2040%

Grades
Schools assign grades following the completion of
the course unit. The following grades may be used:
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
Interpretation
Excellent achievement
High achievement
Satisfactory achievement
Limited achievement
Inadequate achievement
Each grade is based on the students overall

performance for the course unit as judged by
reference to a set of pre-determined standards.
These standards are defined by grade descriptions
and associated annotated work samples.
Grade descriptions:
describe the range of performances and
achievement characteristics of grades A, B, C, D
and E in a given stage of a course
can be used at all stages of planning,
assessment and implementation of courses, but
are particularly important as a final point of
reference in assigning grades
are subject to continuing review by the Council.
The grade descriptions are included in Appendix 1.
Together with associated annotated work samples
for this course, grade descriptions can be accessed
on the course page at
http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au/
Examination details
There are separate examinations for Stage 2 pairs
of units and Stage 3 pairs of units.
In their final year, students who are studying at least
one Stage 2 pair of units (e.g. 2A/2B) or one Stage 3
pair of units (e.g. 3A/3B) will sit an examination in
this course, unless they are exempt.
Each examination will assess the specific content,
knowledge and skills described in the syllabus for
the pair of units studied.
Details of the examinations in this course are
prescribed in the examination design briefs (pages
2123).

Research includes:
identifying and defining principles and terms
describing and discussing the operation and key
features of political and legal systems.
UNIT 1APAL
Unit description
The unit description provides the focus for teaching
the specific unit content.
methods to acknowledge and reference sources.

decision-making. Students examine the difference
between democratic and non-democratic systems of
government, how laws are made and the means of
participation by individuals and groups in different
systems.
Unit content
This unit includes knowledge, understandings and
skills to the degree of complexity described below.
Prescribed learning context

The context of this unit is political and legal
decision-making, with a focus on Australias
political and legal system.
Essential to the understanding of political and legal
decision-making are the principles of the rule of law,
democracy,
representative
government,
and
citizenship.
characteristics and functions of laws

types of decision-making with reference to:
at least one democratic model
at least one non democratic model

citizenship with reference to:
the ways individuals can participate in the

Australian political and legal system and at
least one other system
the ways groups can participate in the

Australian political and legal system and at
least one other system
how laws are made in Australia and at least one
other political and legal system
how laws are enforced in Australia and at least
one other political and legal system.
at least one issue centering on political decisionmaking

at least one issue centering on legal decisionmaking.

systems.

Assessment
achievement of the outcomes in the Politics and
Law course. The table provides details of the
assessment type, examples of different ways that
these assessment types can be applied and the
weighting range for each assessment type.
Weighting
Stage 1
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
An investigation in Politics and Law can incorporate
open-ended or directed research tasks. It involves
the reporting of the investigations focus,
propositions/hypothesises developed, analysis of
sources and evidence, and conclusions reached.
Sources can include secondary materials, primary
sources and direct research through techniques
such as surveying and polling.
Formats can include extended formal reports,
investigative essays, simulations of political and
legal processes (e.g. submissions to parliamentary
inquiries), tests, multimedia presentations, oral
reports or a combination of these.
Suited to the collection of evidence of student
achievement of all outcomes.
2040%
Explanation
An explanation can respond to a question,
proposition, point of debate or concept and can
include description, assessment, appraisal,
analysis and evaluation. Formats can include,
tests, short written responses, extended written
responses such as reports and essays, multimedia
presentations, oral reports including speeches and
simulations of political and legal processes such as
mock parliaments, mock trials or a combination of
these.
2040%
Source analysis
Sources used can include media reports,
commentary, opinion or creative responses to
political and legal events or issues. Responses are
designed to assess a students ability to identify
propositions, distinguish between fact and opinion,
identify sources and assess impact of bias, assess
the relevance and weigh the significance of
evidence presented, analyse points of view and
evaluate the implications for wider political and
legal events and society in general. Resources can
include, statistics such as opinion polls and election
results, newspapers (reportage, analysis, editorials,
letters, opinion columns, cartoons); radio,
television, video and film (news, current affairs,
documentaries, dramas, political comedy), internet
sites, statutes, bills, political speeches and law
reports.
Formats can include short and extended written
responses that are completed in test and non-test
conditions and oral, multimedia presentations or a
combination of these.
020%
Examination
The examination can comprise a combination of
Explanation and Source Analysis.
10

Assessment
UNIT 1BPAL
Unit description
The focus for this unit is civil and political rights.
Students examine the settlement of disputes in
society and the ways in which individuals rights can
be promoted or undermined.

achievement of the outcomes in the Politics and
Law course. The table provides details of the
Weighting
Stage 1
2040%
Investigation
propositions/hypotheses developed, analysis of
inquiries), tests, multimedia presentations, oral
reports or a combination of these.
2040%
Explanation
proposition, and point of debate or concept and can
mock parliaments, mock trials or a combination of
these.
2040%
Source analysis
reports.
Formats can include short and extended written
conditions and oral, multimedia presentations or a
combination of these.
020%
Examination
The examination can comprise a combination of
Explanation and Source Analysis.
Unit content

The context of this unit is civil and political rights,
with a focus on the Western Australian political and
legal system.
Essential to the understanding of civil and political
rights are the principles of natural justice, the rule of
law, civil rights and fairness.
ways individuals can resolve disputes in political

and legal systems
factors that promote and limit access to dispute
resolution processes
ways political and legal decision-making can
promote or undermine peoples civil rights in
Western Australia and at least one other political
and legal system.
civil and political rights of people in Western

Australia and at least one other system
at least one issue that relates to an individuals
civil rights.

systems.
Research includes:
identifying and defining principles and terms
describing and discussing the operation and key
features of political and legal systems.
Type of assessment

11
UNIT 2APAL
Unit description
systems. Students critically examine the legislative,
executive and judicial structures and processes of
political and legal systems. Political and legal issues
are used to provide a contemporary context for the
course.
Unit content
This is the examinable content of the course.

The context of this unit is political and legal
systems, with a focus on Australias political and
legal system.
systems are the principles of democracy, the rule of
law, separation of powers, sovereignty of parliament,
division of powers, representative government,
responsible government, constitutionalism and
federalism.
at least one contemporary issue involving the

legislative process*
at least one contemporary issue involving the
judicial process*.
* The political and legal issues are best addressed in

combination with the relevant content of political and
legal systems.

systems.
Research includes:
identifying,
defining,
distinguishing
and
analysing principles and terms
describing, discussing and analysing the
systems
identifying alternative conclusions
predicting
intended
or
unintended
consequences.
12
the operating principles of a liberal democracy

the structure of Australias political and legal
system
the roles of the legislative, executive and judicial
arms of government
the key external influences on the structure of
Australias political and legal system; the
Westminster system of government, English
common law and the American, Canadian and
Swiss federal systems
structures of political and legal systems including
at least one democratic and one non democratic
system
types of laws made by parliaments, courts and
subordinate authorities
legislative processes at state and national levels
the court hierarchy, rules of statutory
interpretation and the doctrine of precedent
key processes of civil and criminal trials in
Western Australia
key processes of at least one non common law
system.

Assessment
course. The table provides details of the assessment
type, examples of different ways that these
assessment types can be applied and the weighting
Weighting
Stage 2
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
inquiries), multimedia presentations and oral
reports.
2040%
Explanation
analysis and evaluation. Formats can include, short
written responses, extended written responses
such as reports and essays, multimedia
mock parliaments and trials.
2040%
Source analysis
reports.
Formats can include, short and extended written
conditions and oral and multimedia presentations.
achievement of all outcomes
2030%
Examination
The examination comprises a combination of short
answers, source analysis and essays.

13
UNIT 2BPAL
Unit description
The focus for this unit is representation and
justice. Students critically examine the concept of
representation, electoral and voting systems, civil
and criminal law processes. Political and legal
for the course.
Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered by Unit
2APAL.

The context for this unit is representation and
justice, with a focus on Australias political and legal
system.
Essential to the understanding of representation and
justice are the principles of fair elections and natural
justice.
at least one recently implemented or proposed

reform to Australias electoral and voting
systems*
at least one recently implemented or proposed
reform to Western Australias civil and or
criminal law process*.
* The political and legal issues are best addressed

in combination with the relevant content of political
and legal systems.

systems
Research includes:
identifying,
defining,
distinguishing
and
analysing principles and terms
describing, discussing and analysing the key
features of political and legal systems
identifying alternative conclusions
predicting
intended
or
unintended
consequences.
theory and practice of political representation:

delegate, partisan, representative and mirror
representation
the Western Australian and Commonwealth
electoral and voting systems since Federation
the advantages and disadvantages Australias
electoral and voting systems
at least one electoral system of another country
ways individuals and political parties and
pressure groups can participate in Australias
electoral processes
strengths and weaknesses of Western
Australias civil and criminal law processes
the role of mediation in the judicial process in
theory and in practice
strengths and weaknesses of at least one non
common
law
systems
processes
and
procedures.
14
at least one contemporary issue centering on

representation*
at least one contemporary issue centering on
justice*

Assessment
Weighting
Stage 2
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
inquiries), multimedia presentations and oral
reports.
2040%
Explanation
proposition, and point of debate or concept and can
2040%
Source analysis
reports.
2030%
Examination

15
UNIT 3APAL
Unit description
The focus for this unit is political and legal power.
Students critically examine the roles and powers of
the legislative, executive and judicial branches of
government. They consider the influence of
individuals, political parties and pressure groups on
the lawmaking process of parliament and the courts.
The operation of federalism and the balance of
power between the Commonwealth and the State
governments in Australia is also critically examined.
Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered by the
previous units. It is recommended that students
studying Stage 3 have completed Stage 2 units.

The context of this unit is political and legal power,
with a focus on Australias political and legal system.

power is the knowledge of responsible government,
representative government, separation of powers,
division of powers and Westminster conventions.
16
legislative, executive and judicial powers with

reference to the Commonwealth Constitution
(Australia) and with comparisons to one other
political and legal system
functions of the commonwealth parliament in
theory and in practice including Sections 7, 24,
51, 53, and the decline of parliament thesis
roles and powers of the Governor General
including Sections 61, 62, 63, 64, 68, 28 and 57
roles and powers of the Prime Minister, cabinet
and the ministry
roles and powers of the opposition and the
shadow ministry at the commonwealth level
political mandates in theory and in practice
including competing mandates
lawmaking process in parliament and the courts
with reference to the influence of:
individuals
political parties
pressure groups
role and powers of the High Court of Australia

including Sections 71, 73, 74, 75, 76
federalism in Australia
constitutional
powers
of
state
and
commonwealth
parliaments
including
exclusive, concurrent and residual powers,
Sections 51, 52, 86, 90, 107 and 109
financial powers of the commonwealth

parliament including taxation power, Loans
Council, tied or special purpose grants
including Sections 51(ii), 86, 87, 90, 92, 96,
105A
change in the balance of power since

federation,
including
increasing
commonwealth power due to:
o
financial powers including vertical fiscal
imbalance
and
horizontal
fiscal
equalisation, the Grants Commission
o
referral of powers Section 51(xxxvii)
o
COAG
o
co-operative federalism as opposed to
coercive federalism
o
High Court decisions, external affairs
power Section 51 (xxix), corporations
power Section 51(xx)
methods of constitutional change:
referendums including Section 128
High Court decisions
referral of powers
unchallenged legislation
methods of judicial interpretation:
legalism and activism with reference to at

least one common law decision and one
constitutional decision.
at least one reform proposal to change the

Commonwealth Constitution (Australia) such as
the
Republic;
reference
to
indigenous
Australians in the Commonwealth Constitution
(Australia); the Senate including Sections 24, 53,
57; a Charter of Rights*
at least one contemporary issue relating to
political power*
at least one contemporary issue relating to legal
power*.
* The political and legal issues are best addressed in

legal systems.

systems.
Research includes:
describing, discussing, analysing and evaluating
the key features of political and legal systems


identifying and evaluating alternative conclusions
predicting
intended
or
unintended
consequences.
techniques to explore ideas and construct
reasoned arguments
Assessment
course. The table provides details of the assessment
type, examples of different ways that these
assessment types can be applied and the weighting
Weighting
Stage 3
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
inquiries), multi media presentations and oral
reports.
2040%
Explanation
2040%
Source analysis
reports.
2030%
Examination

17
UNIT 3BPAL
Unit description

The focus for this unit is rights and governance.
Students critically examine the structures, processes
and procedures of accountability in relation to the
legislative, executive and judicial branches of
government. The protection of rights in Australia and
one other country and the ways in which democratic
principles can be upheld or undermined in Australia
and one other country are also critically examined.
Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered by Unit
3APAL. It is recommended that students studying
Stage 3 have completed Stage 2 units.


The context of this unit is rights and governance,
with a focus on Australias political and legal system.
through
tribunals
including
the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
through judicial review

the accountability of the Governor General
including the 1975 crisis
the accountability of the courts
through the appeals process
through
parliamentary
scrutiny
and
legislation
through transparent processes and public

confidence
through the censure and removal of judges

types of rights:
civil
political
economic
social
cultural
the ways of protecting rights in Australia
including constitutional, common law and
statutory rights and in one other country
the status of international covenants, protocols
and treaties in protecting human rights in
Australia
the ways in which Australia and one other
country can uphold or undermine democratic
principles with reference to:
representation
popular participation
the rule of law
judicial independence
natural justice
exercising of power.
the experience of one individual or group in the

Australian political and legal system*.
Essential to the understanding of rights and

governance are the practices of governance
including democracy, participation, the rule of law,
rights, open government, consensus, effectiveness,
accountability, natural justice and equity.
* The political and legal issue is best addressed in

legal systems.
18
the accountability of parliament
through elections to the House of

Representatives and the Senate
through the committee system including the

Privileges Committee
within the procedures and processes of

parliament
through judicial review

the accountability of the executive and public
servants
through collective and individual ministerial

responsibility
within parliaments role including Senate

Estimates,
Standing
Committees,
Government Inquiries
through other methods of accountability

including the Commonwealth Auditor
General and Royal Commissions

systems.
Research includes:
describing, discussing, analysing and evaluating
the operation and key features of political and
legal systems
identifying
and
evaluating
alternative
conclusions
predicting
intended
or
unintended
consequences.

techniques to: explore ideas, and construct
reasoned arguments
Assessment
Weighting
Stage 3
Type of assessment
2040%
Investigation
propositions/hypothesises developed, analysis of
sources and evidence, and conclusions reached
inquiries), multi media presentations and oral
reports.
2040%
Explanation
analysis and evaluation. Formats can include, short
written responses, extended written responses
such as reports and essays, multimedia
2040%
Source analysis
reports.
2030%
Examination

19
20

Examination details
Stage 2 and Stage 3

21
Politics and Law

Examination design brief
Stage 2
Time allowed
Reading time before commencing work:
Working time for paper:
ten minutes
three hours
Permissible items
Standard items:
pens, pencils, eraser, correction fluid, ruler, highlighters
Special items:
nil
Additional information
Questions require the candidate to focus on the Australian political and legal system. Some questions require
the candidate to also make reference to other political and legal systems.
It is expected that candidates will draw on Unit 2APAL content in responding to Unit 2BPAL questions where
required.
Section
Supporting information
Each question has three parts.
Section One
Short response
40% of the total examination
Four questions from a choice of six
The questions require the candidate to describe, define, discuss, assess and/or
evaluate.
Part A: Unit 2A
Two questions from a choice of three
Part B: Unit 2B
Two questions from a choice of three
Suggested working time: 60 minutes
There are two document sets. Source material could include information such as
opinion polls, election results and legal decisions relating to the Australian
political and legal systems. Cartoons are not included.
Section Two
Source analysis
There are two questions, one from
Unit 2A and one from Unit 2B
Each question has an equal number of parts which are of increasing complexity.
Parts could refer to:
a term or phrase from the source
issues the source raises
associated principles, structures, institutions, processes and practices
links to political and legal knowledge.

The questions require the candidate to interpret, explain, compare, assess
and/or evaluate.
The questions could require the candidate to describe, discuss, compare and/or
evaluate.
Section Three
Extended response
One question from a choice of a
Unit 2A question or a Unit 2B question
22

Politics and Law

Examination design brief
Stage 3
Time allowed
Reading time before commencing work:
Working time for paper:
ten minutes
three hours
Permissible items
Standard items:
pens, pencils, eraser, correction fluid, ruler, highlighters
Special items:
nil
Additional information
Questions require the candidate to focus on the Australian political and legal system. Some questions require
the candidate to also make reference to other political and legal systems.
It is expected that candidates will draw on Unit 3APAL content in responding to Unit 3BPAL questions where
required.
Section
Supporting information
Each question has three parts.
Section One
Short response
Three questions from a choice of four
The questions require the candidate to describe, define, discuss, analyse,

assess and/or evaluate.
Part A: Unit 3A
One question from a choice of two
Part B: Unit 3B
The third response can be chosen from
either of the remaining questions in Part A
or Part B
There are two document sets. Source material could include information such
as opinion polls, election results, legal decisions, posters, photographs and
newspaper articles. Cartoons are not included.
Section Two
Source analysis
Each question has an equal number of parts which are of increasing

complexity. Parts could refer to:
a term or phrase from the source
issues the source raises
associated principles, structures, institutions, processes and practices
links to political and legal knowledge.

The questions require the candidate to interpret, explain, compare, analyse,
assess and/or evaluate.
The questions could require the candidate to describe, discuss, compare,
analyse and/or evaluate.
Section Three
Extended response
Two questions from a choice of four
Part A: Unit 3A
Part B: Unit 3B

23
24

Appendix 1: Grade descriptions
Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)Appendix 1

Grade descriptions
Politics and Law
Stage 1
Grades are allocated at the end of a

unit or semester based on the rank
order of students. Grades should not
be allocated to individual
assessments.
Presents a discussion or an argument demonstrating some reason and balance about political and legal
decision-making or civil and political rights.
Provides mostly accurate descriptions of political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Utilises mostly relevant examples in attempting to support explanations.
Communicates using relevant political and legal terminology.
Makes accurate statements about political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Provides some accurate descriptions of political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Utilises some relevant examples in attempting to support explanations.
Communicates using mostly relevant political and legal terminology.
Makes mostly accurate statements about political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Provides general descriptions of political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Utilises a minimal number of relevant examples in attempting to support explanations.
Communicates using some relevant political and legal terminology.
Makes few accurate statements about political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Provides limited descriptions of political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Includes few examples.
Communicates using little relevant political and legal terminology.
Makes very few or no accurate statements about political and legal decision-making or civil and political
rights.
Provides very few or no descriptions of political and legal decision-making or civil and political rights.
Includes very few or no examples.
Communicates using little or no political and legal terminology.

Grade descriptions
Politics and Law
Stage 2

assessments.
Presents a mostly reasoned, balanced and coherent discussion or argument about political and legal
systems or representation and justice.
Provides detailed descriptions and explanations of political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Utilises relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates using consistently relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents a discussion or an argument with some reason, balance and coherence, about political and legal
systems or representation and justice.
Provides general descriptions and explanations of political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Utilises mostly relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates predominantly using relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents a series of statements about political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Provides some descriptions and explanations of political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Utilises some relevant examples to generally support explanations.
Communicates using some political and legal terminology.
Presents limited statements about political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Provides limited descriptions and explanations of political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Utilises limited examples to support explanations.
Communicates using little relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents minimal statements about political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Provides little or no description and explanation of political and legal systems or representation and justice.
Utilises very few or no examples.
Communicates using little or no political and legal terminology.

Grade descriptions
Politics and Law
Stage 3

assessments.
Synthesises information and presents a reasoned, balanced and coherent argument about political and
legal power or rights and governance.
Provides extensive and detailed descriptions and explanations of political and legal power or rights and
governance.
Utilises comprehensive and relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates effectively and appropriately by using relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents a mostly reasoned, balanced and coherent argument about political and legal power or rights and
governance.
Provides detailed descriptions and explanations of political and legal power or rights and governance.
Utilises relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates using consistently relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents an argument with some reason, balance and cohesion about political and legal power or rights and
governance.
Provides general descriptions and explanations of political and legal power or rights and governance.
Utilises mostly relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates by using mostly relevant political and legal terminology.
Presents statements, rather than a reasoned, balanced and coherent argument, about political and legal
power or rights and governance.
Provides limited descriptions and explanations of political and legal power or rights and governance.
Utilises limited relevant examples to support explanations.
Communicates using limited relevant political and legal terminology.
Makes minimal statements and provides no reasoned, balanced and coherent argument about political and
legal power or rights and governance.
Provides little or no description and explanation of political and legal power or rights and governance.
Utilises very few or no relevant examples that support explanations.
Communicates using minimal or no political and legal terminology.


Politics and Law Syllabus

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Politics and Law Syllabus

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

POLITICS AND LAW

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Politics and Law is a critical study of the processes

Outcomes are statements of what students should

Law and politics relate through the judicial,

Outcome 1: Political and legal inquiry

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Political and legal systems

Political and legal issues

perceptions of political and legal issues can also

Political and legal research

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

governments in Australia is also critically examined.

Time and completion

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

When considering VET delivery in WACE courses it

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

In developing assessment outlines and teaching

All tasks should take into account teaching,

There is flexibility within the assessment

Student responses may be communicated in

Student work submitted to demonstrate

Evidence collected for each unit should include

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Each grade is based on the students overall

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

The focus for this unit is political and legal

Prescribed learning context

Political and legal systems

characteristics and functions of laws

at least one democratic model

at least one non democratic model

the ways individuals can participate in the

the ways groups can participate in the

Political and legal issues

at least one issue centering on political decisionmaking

Political and legal research

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

The four types of assessment in the table below are

Prescribed learning context

Political and legal systems

ways individuals can resolve disputes in political

Political and legal issues

civil and political rights of people in Western

Political and legal research

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Political and legal issues

Prescribed learning context

at least one contemporary issue involving the

* The political and legal issues are best addressed in

Political and legal research

Political and legal systems

the operating principles of a liberal democracy

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Politics and Law: Accredited March 2008 (updated June 2011)

Prescribed learning context

at least one recently implemented or proposed

* The political and legal issues are best addressed

Political and legal research

Political and legal systems

theory and practice of political representation: