PLT3320

Australian constitutional democracy

Hugh Emy

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the hybrid character of the Australian Constitution and the distinctive features of Australian constitutional democracy; have mastered analytic and conceptual skills requisite to constitutional debate; acquired a greater capacity for report writing.

Synopsis The subject covers Australia's national government, including the Constitution, responsible government, federalism, the High Court, the Head of State, and the Republic, Parliament - especially the Senate - and the Executive. Beginning with the Dismissal in 1975, it explains recent debates about the hybrid Constitution, problems with particular institutions and changes to the machinery of government. It asks whether Australia is diverging from parliamentary government towards stronger forms of executive rule.

Assessment Précis exercise (1000 words): 20%
* Essay (3000words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Preliminary reading

Kelly P November 1975 Allen and Unwin, 1995
Galligan B A federal republic CUP, 1995