Work in three groups for this activity.

So far you have looked briefly at how responsible government came about in Victoria and how easy or difficult it was to vote, to be a candidate in an election and to buy land.

It was important to look at the issue of land because you had to own property (land) or a business to vote and stand as a candidate at an election, especially in the Legislative Council, for many decades after the beginning of responsible government in 1855. Owning land was important. It helped give you a living and also it gave you more democratic rights than others.

There are more things responsible governments can do.

Activity 1: What else should governments do?: our wish list

Think about things the government could do about ONE of the following issues:

• caring for the environment
• looking after the needs and rights of young people
• making our society fair, just and one that cares for
everyone.

Make sure each group looks at a different issue. Ask family members and friends for their suggestions after you have done this exercise at school. Add their ideas to those of your group.

Share your wish list with the class. Invite other students to make further suggestions to improve your wish list.

Keep your wish list to use as a checklist as you look at the Landmarks of Responsible Government in Victoria. You will be able to decide how responsible governments in Victoria have been in meeting these needs and what else needs to be done in the future. In doing this remember what we mean by responsible government. You can recheck this definition if you wish.

Back to top | Next activity

• Introductory activities
• Investigating the past
• Visiting the exhibition
• Going further

• Definition of responsible government