This book introduces the dynamics of the Australian political system. It sets out the key concepts and institutions of democratic politics and demonstrates how the actors and institutions of Australian politics interact and develop. Each chapter is divided two discrete but related sections. The first part gives an overview of a particular institution within the Australia political system. The second part is an "Issue in Focus" which encourages students' critical thinking in unpacking the everyday application of one aspect of the institution under discussion. This engaging text uses current examples throughout, blending the practical with the theoretical. While focusing on the institutions of Australian government this text also discusses and analyses the processes and power themes and includes discussion of comparative political systems.