This unit aims to provide an advanced understanding of Australia's institutions of political representation, the core of Australian democracy, by examining them from relevant theoretical and comparative perspectives. It also aims to elucidate ongoing debate—manifested in disagreements about the purposes of elections, electoral systems and political parties and the role of representative institutions in general—over preferred interpretations of the Australian political system and Australian democracy. Topics to be covered include the contribution and limitations of elections; the roles of elected representatives; the debate over direct democracy; electoral system design and the nature and... -- Course Website
Instructor: Professor Bruce Stone
Prerequisites: any Level 2 Political Science and International Relations unit
