7–10Commerce 7–10 Syllabus (2024)
The new Commerce 7–10 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027 and will replace the Commerce 7–10 Syllabus (2019).
2025 and 2026 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027 – Start teaching the new syllabus
School sectors are responsible for implementing syllabuses and are best placed to provide schools with specific guidance and information on implementation given their understanding of their individual contexts. Schools may choose to implement the new syllabus during the planning and preparation phase.
Content
Stage 5
The differences between laws and non-legal rules
The reasons for laws in society
The principles and benefits of the rule of law
The differences between criminal law and civil law
Law-making processes, including statute law and common law
The Customary Lore of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The hierarchy and jurisdiction of state and federal courts
The reasons for changes in the law
The purpose of the Australian Constitution
The democratic system of government in Australia as outlined in the Australian Constitution
Levels of government and their responsibilities, including the division of powers
The functions and responsibilities of the House of Representatives and the Senate
How and why the separation of powers exists between the parliament, executive and judiciary
The role of the High Court in interpreting the Australian Constitution
Comparison of the democratic system of government with other systems of government
The rights and responsibilities of individuals in the democratic process
Registering to vote
The processes involved in conducting an election
Types of voting methods, including first-past-the-post, preferential, optional preferential and proportional
Australia’s compulsory voting system, and the arguments for and against compulsory voting
The role and function of political parties and independent representation in Australia’s system of government, including the formation of governments
The significance of a parliamentary majority, a hung parliament and minority government
The process by which referendums to change the Australian Constitution are initiated and decided
Investigate a current issue in relation to the legal and/or political environment, and communicate findings using relevant subject-specific terminology in written, oral, visual or multimodal form
Create written texts to explain and analyse aspects of the legal and political environment