Focus question 4: To what extent and when were the Chartists' six points achieved in Australia?
Teaching and learning activities
Introduction
In each colony there were separate moves for democratic reforms, both before and after self-government was granted.
After 1850 the British Government allowed the separate colonies in Australia to govern themselves. This meant each colony was allowed to draw up a constitution or set of rules about how to set up their government. Some of the things they had to decide on were:
- who was allowed to vote
- how old a person had to be before they were eligible to vote
- who could stand for parliament
- how often there were to be elections for parliament.
Activity 1: Achieving democracy in Australia
1a You will notice that one of the Chartists' points has never been achieved. Why do you think this is so?
1b Look at the table below. You will notice that it includes a point not fought for by the Chartists. As a class discuss why this point is included in the table.
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Date achieved in Britain
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Date achieved in your State/Territory/colony
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Dated achieved in Australia
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| Votes for women |
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| Votes for men |
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| Annual elections |
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| Payment of Members of Parliament |
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| Equal electorates |
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| No property qualifications for Members
of Parliament |
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| Secret ballot |
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1c With a partner, draw a table similar to the one above into your workbook and complete it. In order to do this you will need to find out when the Chartist points were granted in your State or Territory. The answers for the 'Britain' column can be copied from the table in Focus question 2, Activity 6.
Research the 'Parliament at a Glance' section at the Browse page in the Parliament@Work website. Visit each State and Territory and click on the 'Chartist checkbox'.
ESL activities
Back to 'Democratic Struggles - At a glance'
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