The Magna Carta

In this section, teachers will find resources explaining how the story of an 800-year-old document influences the way modern Australia is governed today.

Students can learn about the medieval story of King John and how he was forced by his barons to seal an agreement outlining basic expectations regarding liberty and justice for the people of his kingdom. This historical treaty was called The Great Charter, now known as Magna Carta.

This manuscript aimed to protect human rights so long ago and became the genesis of a concept known as the rule of law. By sealing Magna Carta, King John agreed that he himself will also be subject to the law and administer justice fairly. Its legacy underpins important values embedded in government and legal institutions that serve Australian society today, such as the people’s legislatures, the executive government, and judiciary.

The Rule of Law

The rule of law is
“where all people, including the government, are ruled by the law and obey it”      
(abridged definition by Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Walker)

This concept is not often well understood, but its principles and ideals form the foundations of the Australian Constitution and underpin every element of Australian law-making powers and its system of governance. These resources will help your students grasp this essential concept that forms the bones of Australian democracy.

The activities are fun and easy to complete. They will have your students well on the way to developing a sound understanding of the rule of law and how it operates in Australian society. There is even a resource to teach your students about what a society without the rule of law would look like!

Click on each image to access these fantastic resources