Democracy
Our democracy
The word ‘democracy’ has its origins in the Greek language. It combines two shorter words: ‘demos’ meaning whole citizen living within a particular city-state and ‘kratos’ meaning power or rule. A liberal democracy is organised in such a way as to define and limit power so as to promote legitimate government within a framework of justice and freedom.
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Exploring Democracy - Australian journeys through time and space
Our online timeline lets you travel through time and discover the milestones of Australian and global democracy, from 2500 BCE to the present.
Take a virtual journey through time and place, and glimpse key moments in the history of democratic ideas, laws and institutions. You may be surprised and inspired by what you find.
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Documenting a democracy
The Museum of Australian Democracy in conjunction with the National Archives of Australia presents 110 key documents that are the foundation of our nation - Australia's 'birth certificates' – telling the story of our democracy.
Collected on this website are the sets of documents which tell the story of Australia's democracy. They are chosen because each is important to our lives today. Because they didn't just happen – each document has its own story.
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The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House showcases the history of Australian democracy and continues to pay respect to the heritage values of this former home of Federal Parliament. Once the busy nucleus of parliamentary business, the building remains a treasure-trove where visitors can wander the corridors of power, or take a tour with an experienced guide.
The history of Australia’s democracy encompasses our laws and institutions, as well as the way we live as a society. The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges that democracy has been experienced by different groups in different ways, and this is reflected in the balanced range of narratives and experiences presented. The museum aims to become a space where groups can share ideas and experiences in a heritage building that was once the hub of Australian democracy.
Visit our Exhibitions page for more information about the new Democracy exhibitions. For information about daily tours and activities, visit the Tours and Activities page.