Australian Politics

The Politics of federalism in the 21st century

(1)Federalism to so redundant and irrelevant that even a resurgence of Constitutional adherence can’t save it?

(2)Federalism is a sound political system in a period of globalisation it just needs an internal tweak to
Overcome overlap and duplication – an efficiency and effectiveness dividend?

Topic: The politics of parliament, executive government and Public Sector

(3) The separation of powers (legislature, executive and judiciary) is under constant stress and tension, negatively impacting on decision-making?

(4) Reforms in parliamentary practice are undermined by the extent of Executive government management of?the parliament?

(5)The public sector is increasingly an extension of government rather than a source of ‘frank and fearless advice’?

Topic:The Politics of Elections, Electoral systems, Political parties, interest groups and Social Movements and media

(6) Elections, Electoral systems and Political Parties are interwoven in a network of self-interest that runs counter to democratic representation?

(7)Carte l behaviour, the democratic deficit and the penetration of the engagement platforms of civil society –social media, direct action – challenge the dominance of traditional two-party political systems?

(8) Where is the interface between the new ICT technology and democratic representation? E-polling; egovernment and e-democracy?

Topic: “It is the Economy, Stupid” The politics of the Australian Economy

(9) A Federal political system and a resource-based economy built on the back of the policy platforms of the “Australian settlement” have both supported and or hindered our development as a nation?

(10) Australia in the Asian Century: prospects and challenges for our economy?

Topic: Regional politics in Australia

(11) Are the politics of region’s important? What are they? What is driving them? What are the policy
responses?

(12) Fear and loathing in the regions: foreign investment and other politics of fear?

Topic: Politics of Foreign Policy, immigration, Migration and Asylum Seekers.

Discussion points:

(13) Australia in the region? Australia on the global stage?

(14) Immigration, migration and asylum seekers: politics and policy?

Readings:

Woodward et al, edition 9, 2010, Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia, Pearson Australia, NSW.

There are summaries and discussion questions at the end of each Chapter and
Break-downs for specific interests and discussion points.

  Click Here To Get More On This Paper!!!!