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Year 12 Politics and Law ATAR

Course Overview

Politics and law is a critical study of the processes of decision-making concerning society’s 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.
The Politics and Law ATAR 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 and/or countries. 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 course provides for both a chronological and contemporary understanding of political and legal issues in society.

Course Description
This syllabus is divided into two units.

Unit 3 - Political and Legal Power
This unit examines the political and legal system established by the Commonwealth Constitution (Australia) and the power wielded within the system, making reference to particular political and legal developments and issues.

Unit 4 - Accountability and Rights
This unit examines avenues for, and the effectiveness of accountability in relation to the three branches of government in Australia. The ways, and the extent to which rights are protected, and democratic principles are upheld and/or undermined in Australia, and one other country, are also examined.

Future Careers

• Politics and Law is important to careers such:
• Law
• Political Advocacy
• Public Administration
• Community Development
• Teaching
• Journalism
• Government
• Commerce