How parliament works

The video series, How parliament works, includes three animations that describe core processes relating to the work of parliament.

How parliament works: Making laws follows the process of the introduction of a bill into parliament, its passage through both Houses, to receiving Royal Assent.

How parliament works: Committees explores the purpose of and types of parliamentary committees, the non-partisan nature of committees, as well as the overall committee process.

Finally, How parliament works: Petitions explains the benefits of petitions, the process of creating and signing a petition, and the role of members of parliament in the petition process.

How parliament works: Making laws 

Discussion questions

  • What are the benefits and limitations to having a bicameral system (two houses or chambers)?
  • How does a bicameral system support the values of democracy?
  • What function does Royal Assent have and why is it important?


How parliament works: Committees

Discussion questions

  • How does the committee system benefit members of parliament and people who make submissions and/or attend public hearings?
  • What are some of the benefits and limitations to the committee process?
  • How might the committee process be strengthened?


How parliament works: Petitions

Discussion questions

  • What are some of the benefits of parliamentary petitions?
  • Why do you think members of parliament need to sponsor a petition?
  • What are some other ways Victorian's can have their say on things they would like to see change?

Classroom connections

These videos are useful as either an introduction, consolidation or refresher to the key processes across multiple year levels and can be used in conjunction with a number of different resources.

Related resources

How a law is made: teacher guide

This teaching guide presents activities and a case study that have been designed for grades 3 to 6, but can easily be adapted for Years 7 to 12 as either refarmilarisation or consolidation activities.

How to host a committee inquiry

This resource guides teachers through the process of running a parliamentary committee inquiry with your class, helping students to understand the work of parliamentary committees and the role they play in law reform. It also provides a more detailed overview of the committee inquiry process and the roles that members, committee staff and the public play in this process. Designed for VCE Legal Studies, this resource can also be used flexibly across the curriculum.