Government Hierarchy
Students in small groups will be given a set of labels that consist of the three levels of Government and the people who are in those levels (e.g. Queen/King, Governor-General, Prime Minister, Senate, House of Representatives, State Governor, and council members). Students will need to organise these positions in a similar fashion as a diamond ranking chart with the highest ranking into the lowest. The students will then also need to put the label of Federal Government, State/Territory Government and Local Government beside the positions.
Students will then need to explain their reasoning for putting them in the order that they have and what level of Government they belong to. Students will then also describe what they think the role of the different positions are.
Students will then need to explain their reasoning for putting them in the order that they have and what level of Government they belong to. Students will then also describe what they think the role of the different positions are.
Student Instructions:
- In your groups you will be given a set of cards. You will need to put these cards in the correct order of the levels of Governments. You will then organise the Government positions from the highest held position to the lowest held position.
- As a group you will then need to explain why you have put the cards in the order you have and what you and your group think is the role of the different government positions.
Context:
- The key institutions of Australia’s democratic system of government based on the Westminster system, including the monarchy, parliaments, and courts (ACHCK035)
- Interact with others with respect, identify different points of view and share personal perspectives and opinions (ACHCS043)
BackGround Information:
Teachers will need to have an understanding of the roles of the Monarch, Governor-General, Prime Minister, Governors and council men. Teachers will also need to understand the order/hierarchy of the levels of government.
Learning Objectives and Intentions:
OBJECTIVES:
- Students are able to organise the levels of Government logically
- Students can organise positions within the government logically
- Students are able to explain their decisions
Literacy, Numeracy and General Capabilities
- Use language to interact with others
- Understand learning area vocabulary
- Express opinion and point of view
Assessment As, For and of Learning
Assessment for Learning: This activity can really show the teacher how students are progressing along in the unit as well as showing students. This activity provides students the opportunity to show their knowledge of the Australian government and come up a logical explanation of the different roles (even those they haven't delved into yet) based on prior knowledge they have gained. Teachers will be able to see and hear if students are a bit confused or just aren't really grasping the concept very well.
Adjustments for Student Learning:
Students will be working in groups so students who need some additional help will have support from their peers. The teacher will also be walking around to help out groups and students.
Resources:
- Cards with the levels of government and the different positions
- A copy of the levels of Government