This subject examines representative democracy in Australia. We begin by exploring some of the major theoretical debates over democracy and political representation, then examine how well key elements of representative democracy in Australia measure up to the ideal. We focus on the changing relationship between the media and politics, and the implications of this for political campaigning, public debate, and political engagement; organisational and ideological change in Australia's political parties; and the rise of social movements. We also examine the problem of political inequality, including the under-representation of minority groups, recent concerns about the influence of political donations on government decision-making, and the feasibility of participatory and deliberative alternatives to representative democracy. Students should leave the subject with a better understanding of the democratic ideal and the health (or otherwise) of representative democracy in Australia.

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Readings