Australian Politics in the Twenty-First Century

Old Institutions, New Challenges

Stewart Jackson, Joff Lelliott, Shannon Brincat, Josephine Bourne, Nick Economou

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN:
  9781009108232
• Edition: 2
• eBook ISBN:
  9781009117593
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Political History & Theory
• Index: Politics & International Relations

The global political environment in the twenty-first century is proving dynamic and challenging for Australian policymakers and political institutions. Australian Politics in the Twenty-first Century contextualises the Australian political landscape through an institutional lens. It examines the legislative and judicial bodies, minor parties, lobby groups, the media and the citizenry, providing historical and contemporary facts, explaining political issues and examining new challenges. The second edition has been updated to reflect the application of political theories in today's civic environment. New spotlight boxes highlight issues including marriage equality, COVID-19 and federalism, the inclusion of First Nations peoples in the political system, and gender equality in public policy. Short-answer, reflection, research and discussion questions encourage students to test and extend their knowledge of each topic and to clearly link theory to practice. Written in an accessible and engaging style, Australian Politics in the Twenty-First Century is an invaluable introduction to the Australian political system.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title page
• Acknowledgement of Country
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Contents
• Guide to online resources
• About the authors
• Acknowledgements
• Chapter 1 Introduction to 21st-century Australian politics
• Chapter 2 The Australian Federation: From colony to Commonwealth
• Chapter 3 The legislature: Representative democracy
• Chapter 4 The executive: Functions, power and accountability
• Chapter 5 The ‘rulebook’: National governance and the Australian Constitution
• Chapter 6 Bureaucracy: The APS and public policy
• Chapter 7 Elections, the electoral system and the Australian voter
• Chapter 8 The origins and evolution of the major parties
• Chapter 9 The minor parties and independents
• Chapter 10 Follow the leader: Political leadership in Australia
• Chapter 11 The Fourth Estate: News media in the digital age
• Chapter 12 Having a voice: Citizen participation and engagement
• Chapter 13 Conclusion
• Glossary
• Index