Outline

Overview

Just how important are parliaments to democracy This unit takes a critical look at how well Australian parliaments carry out their representative, law-making and accountability functions. Analytical material will be complemented by practical insights from members and staff of the NSW Parliament.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 or 3000 level from Government and International Relations
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rodney Smith, rodney.smith@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rodney Smith, rodney.smith@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Short paper A 1000 word opinion piece designed for publication by the Conversation.	25%	Week 04 Due date: 29 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Draft Inquiry Submission A draft submission on a parliamentary inquiry topic.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical Analysis Paper Paper setting out and defending a reform to the NSW Parliament.	50%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: defining parliaments; different types of democracy.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to GOVT3997 and parliamentary democracy.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	The NSW Parliament, other Australian Parliaments and ‘Westminster’ traditions.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Is the NSW Parliament a 'Westminster' Parliament?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Passing laws in the NSW Parliament. (This will be our first visit to the NSW Parliament.)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Is Parliament just a 'talking shop'? Reflections on what we learnt in the NSW Parliament about law-making.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The roles of parliamentary committees. (This will be our second visit to the NSW Parliament.)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	The roles of parliamentary committees, including discussion of our second visit to the NSW Parliament.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Problems of parliamentary design.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Unicameral versus bicameral: What, if anything, does a second house add?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Parties and Parliament.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Do parties enhance or impede parliamentary politics?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Minority government and cross-bench power in the NSW Legislative Assembly. (This will be our third visit to the NSW Parliament.)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Majoritarian versus consensus parliamentary politics.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Non-partisan dimensions of parliamentary representation.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Representing Indigenous peoples and languages in Parliament.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	'Keeping the bastards honest'? Parliament and Executive accountability.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	How effective are parliamentary mechanisms for executive accountability?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Only connect: MPs' engagement with the public between elections.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	MPs' individual and collective engagement with the community.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Parliamentary ethics: problems and responses.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Why do MPs misbehave? What can be done when they do?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Panel of former ministers discuss their careers and dealing with the Parliament. (This will be our fourth visit to the NSW Parliament.)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Parliament as a workplace: training and accountability.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Future Parliament: Did Covid 19 show how virtual parliaments could work?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	What should Parliament look like to meet the challenges of 21st century life?	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Week 1

Amie Kreppel (2014). Typologies and Classifications. In Martin, S., Saalfeld, T., and Strøm, K. (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Legislative Studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 82-100.

Week 2

Haig Patapan and John Wanna (2005). The Westminster Legacy: Conclusion. In H. Patapan and J. Wanna (eds.), Westminster Legacies. Sydney: UNSW Press, pp. 242–255.

David Clune and Rodney Smith (2024). New South Wales. In Diana Perche, Nicholas Barry, Alan Fenna, Zareh Ghazarian, and Yvonne Haigh (eds.), Australian Politics and Policy: Senior Edition. Sydney: University of Sydney Press, pp. 310-340.

David Clune and Rodney Smith (2024). Understated and Uninspired: The 2023 NSW Election. Australasian Parliamentary Review 39(1): 60-86.

Week 3

Meg Russell, Daniel Gover, Kristina Wollter and Meghan Benton (2017). Actors, Motivations and Outcomes in the Legislative Process: Policy Influence at Westminster. Government and Opposition 52(1): 1-27.

Steven Reynolds (2016). Making Honey in the Bear Pit: Parliament and its Impact on Policymaking. Australasian Parliamentary Review, 31(2), 176-186.

Week 4

John Halligan, Robin Miller and John Power (2007). Parliament in the Twenty-First Century: Institutional Reform and Emerging Roles. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press. Chapter 10, pp. 217-240.

Laura Grenfell and Sarah Moulds (2018). The Role of Committees in Rights Protection in Federal and State Parliaments in Australia. University of New South Wales Law Journal, 41(1): 40–79.

Week 5

Meg Russell (2013). Rethinking Bicameral Strength: A Three-Dimensional Approach. The Journal of Legislative Studies, 19(3), 370–391.

John Young (2014). Should Upper Houses Have Ministers? Australasian Parliamentary Review 29(1): 87–101.

Week 6

Christopher Kam (2009). Party Discipline and Parliamentary Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Chapter 3, pp. 38-74.

Caroline Morris (2018). Party-Hopping Deja vu: Changing Politics, Changing Law in New Zealand 1999-2018. Public Law Review 29(3) (2018): 206–23.

Week 7

Gareth Griffith, Minority Governments in Australia 1989-2009: Accords, Charters and Agreements. NSW Parliamentary Library Research Service. Background Paper No 1/10. Available at: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Documents/minority-governments-in-australia-1989-2009-acco/Minority%20Governments%20Background%20Paper.pdf

Week 8

Noel Pearson (2014) A Rightful Place: Race Recognition and a More Complete Commonwealth. Quarterly Essay 55. Melbourne: Black Inc., pp. 37-40.

Te Hau White (2016). A Difference of Perspective? Māori Members of Parliament and tea o Māori in Parliament. Political Science 68(2): 175-191.

Mamari Stephens (2010) Tame Kaka Still—Maori Members and the Use of Maori Language in the New Zealand Houses of Representatives. Law Text Culture 14(1): 220-246.

Week 9

Sharon Ohnesorge and Beverly Duffy (2025) 'Evading Scrutiny: Orders for Papers and Acccess to Cabinet Information by the New South Wales Legislative Council', in David Blunt and David Clune (eds), Parliamentary Democracy at Work: Essays on the New South Wales Legislative Council. Sydney: The Federation Press, pp. 201-237.

Anthea Howard (2019). Ministerial Responsibility in Cases of Serious Policy Failure: The Role of Extra-Parliamentary Inquiry in Upholding Political Legitimacy Australasian Parliamentary Review 34(1): 48-69.

Week 10

Pandanus H. Petter (2023) Against the Void: Constituency Work and Connection Building: Evidence from Australia. Parliamentary Affairs 76(2): 382-400.

Rebecca Burton (2018). The People’s Parliament: Have Petitions Had Their Day? Australasian Parliamentary Review 33(1): 41–71.

Emma Banyer (2020). The Franking Credits Controversy: House of Representatives Committees, Public Engagement and the Role of the Parliamentary Service. Australasian Parliamentary Review 35(1): 77–110.

Week 11

Paul Bovend’Eert (2020). Public Office and Public Trust: Standards of Conduct in Parliament: A Comparative Analysis of Rules of Conduct in Three Parliaments. Parliamentary Affairs 73(2): 296-322.

Susanna Connolly (2020). The Regulation of Pork Barrelling in Australia. Australasian Parliamentary Review 35(1): 24–53.

Week 12

Marian Sawer and Maria Maley. Toxic Parliaments and What Can Be Done about Them. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2024, Chapter 6, pp. 101-121.

Week 13

Jonathan O’Dea (2019-20). Socially Distant but Democratically Together: Towards a Virtual Parliament in NSW. Australasian Parliamentary Review 34(2): 28–53.

Darren Hughes (2020). New Pandemic, New Politics? Inside The UK’s Virtual Parliament.” Parliamentarian 101(2): 118-121.

Peter Price (2022). Virtual Parliaments in Canada: Pandemic Responses or Permanent Solution? Australasian Parliamentary Review 37(2): 47–55.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain core concepts in debates surrounding parliamentary democracy.
LO2. Demonstrate the capacity to learn using online tools.
LO3. Demonstrate a capacity to research and write independently, persuasively and critically.
LO4. Demonstrate a capacity to discuss controversial political issues constructively with others.
LO5. Demonstrate the values and behaviours of active democratic citizenship.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Some minor changes have been made since GOVT3997 was last offered in response to student feedback.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

This unit will involve four visits to NSW Parliament for observations and classes led by the Unit of Study Coordinator and staff of the NSW Parliament. Students are responsible for travelling to and from the site. The visits are covered by the NSW Parliament's WH&S policies and procedures.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GOVT3997: Parliament and Democracy

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links