Outline the importance of the movement for trade unionism and universal suffrage and how each of these movements influenced the nature of Modern Australian society.

Essay by airam972High School, 12th gradeA+, March 2008

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The trade unionism and universal suffrage movements are both of great importance as they have influenced the nature of modern Australian society to a great extent. Trade Unionism has played an integral role in influencing the nature of modern Australian society as it has led to better workplace conditions for employees. Universal suffrage is also an important concept that gives all citizens the right to express their political beliefs by voting for their preferred party at election time. All citizens of universal suffrage countries are able to vote regardless of their race, gender, religion and any other physical or personal characteristic that would distinguish them from others. The universal suffrage movement has greatly influenced the nature of modern Australian society as it has led to the nation's government making it mandatory for those 18 years and over to vote for their preferred party at election time.

Trade unionism began in the 18th century after the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

Trade unions were associations of employees were created to protect the rights of workers. The success of trade unions revolves around the concept of the power of united action, meaning that a group of workers combined can hold great power when dealing with management rather than an individual employee. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has established the rights of trade unions. Article 23(4) of the declaration states that 'everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his or her rights.' Trade Unionism can be viewed as a rather important movement as it has led to representative organisations being able to campaign on behalf of their members in order to achieve the best possible working conditions, and being able to represent them in disputes and negotiations. Trade Unionism has influenced the nature of Modern...