The Australian Political System in Action blends the practical (detailed examination of political institutions) with the theoretical (explanations of theory and its application). It does this by sectioning each chapter into two parts. The first provides a comprehensive overview of the political institution under examination (form, function and nature), using plenty of real-world examples and discussion of comparative political systems to interest students. Part two investigates a contemporary issue relevant to the particular institution, again using lots of examples. This section links the practical elements to the broader theoretical framework and encourages students to delve deeper into the topics and the issues and debates that surround them.

Table of Contents

1. Australian Democracy in Theory and Practice Issue in Focus: Australian Democracy: A Health Check 2. The Australian Constitution and Constitutional Practice Issue in Focus: The Constitution and Rights Protection: The Bill of Rights Debate in Australia. 3. Federalism: Limiting the Sphere of Government Action Issue in Focus: Is Australian Federalism in Need of Reform? 4. The Legislature: Law Making and Government Oversight Issue in Focus: Is a bicameral parliament necessary to facilitate the democratic will? 5. Running the State: Executive Power Issue in Focus: How Can We Keep the Political Executive Accountable? 6. The Public Service: Making and Implementing Policy Issue in Focus: Has the Commonwealth Bureaucracy Become Politicised? 7. The High Court Issue in Focus: How Should High Court Judges Interpret the Law? 8. Democracy and the Importance of Electoral Systems Issue in Focus: Should preferential voting be replaced by a system of proportional voting in the House of Representatives? 9. The Australian Party System Issue in Focus: Cartel Parties and their Implications for Australian Democracy 10. The Australian Labor Party Issue in Focus: What Does the Labor Party Stand For Today? 11. The Liberal Party Issue in Focus: What Does the Liberal Party Stand For Today? 12. Minor Parties Issue in Focus: Do Minor Parties Advance Democracy in Australia Glossary References

Reviews

The layout, readability and accessibility are superior to earlier textbooks ... This makes the textbook suitable for non-Australian, non-specialist undergraduates studying liberal democracy and its political instituations anywhere in the world. Consequently, this is a useful library purchase for UK institutions Michael F. Keating, Political Studies Review