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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

The history of facial hair and politics
History

The history of facial hair and politics

From the portraits of our first Prime Ministers, it is apparent than personal grooming has changed remarkably.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
History

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

The role of CHOGM for Commonwealth governments.

Flags, snags and bags: Putting the finishing touches on the opening of Parliament House
Heritage

Flags, snags and bags: Putting the finishing touches on the opening of Parliament House

How preparations were managed for the opening of Old Parliament House in 1927.

Young people and the right to vote: Some exceptions to the rule
History

Young people and the right to vote: Some exceptions to the rule

How voting rights have changed in Australia.

How often should we have an election – every three years or every four?
Democracy

How often should we have an election – every three years or every four?

COLLECTION

Plaque presented to Dorothy Tangney Plaque presented to Dorothy Tangney

Plaque presented to Dorothy Tangney

This plaque signifies Dorothy Margaret Tangney becoming Australia's first woman senator.
Women's Electoral Lobby vinyl record

Women's Electoral Lobby vinyl record

Music with a message.

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.