Australian National University

Australia is one of the world's oldest liberal democracies. This longevity is due, in part, to institutional design. A close examination of Australia's political institutions reveals both stability and evolution from their original design. This course explores this stability and change dynamic through an examination of the Australian political system. It provide an overview of the cleavages that characterize Australia and the institutions that attempt to manage them. This course concentrates on formal political institutions paying particular attention to the constitution, institutions of government (e.g. High Court, Parliament, federalism), and electoral competition. The course also compares Australia to other advanced democracies, enhancing our understanding of the Australian state.