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Explore

Democracy

Democracy

Aretha Brown, a young woman, holds a banner at a protest rally with a fist raised in the air.

Stories

Stories

Black and white image of the front of Old Parliament House with a crowd of people of gathered at the foot of the stairs. The building is white with columns and an Australian flag flies at the top.

Collection

Collection

A close up of a rainbow flag covered in signatures.

POLITICAL CARTOONS

Browse Behind the Lines, our annual exhibition celebrating the year's best political cartoons.

Explore
Visitors looking at the framed cartoons on the walls

STORIES

On a Knife-Edge: Six other times Australia’s elections were down to the wire
History

On a Knife-Edge: Six other times Australia’s elections were down to the wire

Past Australian elections with very close results.

The Prime Minister’s seat: a case study in sleuthing
History

The Prime Minister’s seat: a case study in sleuthing

How researcher Campbell Rhodes tackled answering a deceptively simple question.

Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting?
Democracy

Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting?

How compulsory voting influences individuals in a democracy.

How does an election work? Part 2 – run for your life
Democracy

How does an election work? Part 2 – run for your life

Milestones on the journey to an election.

The Apology 10 years on
History

The Apology 10 years on

COLLECTION

Souvenir elephant Souvenir elephant

Souvenir elephant

This miniature elephant is a tongue-in-cheek souvenir depicting Provisional Parliament House.
Speaker's Chair

Speaker's Chair

Speaks to Australian democracy's deep ties to the United Kingdom.

DEMOCRACY

Defining democracy Australian democracy

Defining democracy

What is democracy?
Australian democracy Australian democracy

Australian democracy

Every democratic society is distinct. The same is true for Australia.