Description
Activity
Demonstrate the way a law is made in South Australia by roleplaying the steps in the passage of a Bill. This Bill is a historical recreation of how women got the right to vote in SA in 1894.
This activity has options for years 5-8 and 9-12. The 5-8 version is set in the House of Assembly, with text very closely based on the 1894 speeches made by the real Members of Parliament referenced.
The 9-12 version is set in the Legislative Council, with corresponding terminology for the upper house, and has real extracts from Hansard transcripts. Note that on the class layout, “Speaker” should be read as “President”.
Please note that all characters are men, as this was the make up of the Parliament at the time.
Duration
75 minutes (can be shortened or lengthened).
Preparation Required
- Read the lesson plan.
- Select the appropriate debate set for your student year levels and read the facilitator runsheet through.
- Prepare the debate cards for each student.
- Review the classroom layout plans for a small class or large class.
- Collate props – a bell and an object to use as a Mace.
