Unit 4: The people and the law
The Australian Constitution establishes Australia’s parliamentary system and provides mechanisms to ensure that
parliament does not make laws beyond its powers. In this area of study students examine the relationship between
the Australian people and the Australian Constitution and the ways in which the Australian Constitution acts as a
check on parliament in law-making. Students investigate the involvement of the Australian people in the referendum
process and the role of the High Court in acting as the guardian of the Australian Constitution.
parliament does not make laws beyond its powers. In this area of study students examine the relationship between
the Australian people and the Australian Constitution and the ways in which the Australian Constitution acts as a
check on parliament in law-making. Students investigate the involvement of the Australian people in the referendum
process and the role of the High Court in acting as the guardian of the Australian Constitution.