Government and law: study guide for the Australian citizenship test (Australia)
Parliament, the Constitution, courts, elections and levels of government.
This guide gathers the 13 key points of the topic. Read them, cover the answer and try to recall it; then practise in the app.
- What is Australia's system of government?
Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy and federal system. The King is head of state, represented by the Governor-General. Parliament makes laws; power is shared with the states. view question - What are the three levels of government in Australia?
Federal, state or territory, and local. Each level has its own responsibilities, from defence and immigration to schools, roads and rubbish collection. view question - What are the two houses of the federal Parliament?
The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both must pass a bill before it becomes law. The Governor-General then gives royal assent. view question - How many senators does each state have?
12. Each of the six states elects 12 senators, giving equal representation. The Northern Territory and the ACT elect two each. view question - Who is the head of the federal government?
The Prime Minister. The Prime Minister leads the party or coalition that has the majority in the House of Representatives. view question - What is the role of the Governor-General?
The King's representative in Australia. The Governor-General gives royal assent to laws and appoints ministers on the Prime Minister's advice. view question - What is the highest court in Australia?
The High Court of Australia. The High Court interprets the Constitution and is the final court of appeal. view question - How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
By a referendum. A referendum needs a majority of voters nationally and a majority in at least four of the six states (a double majority). view question - What is the compulsory voting rule?
Citizens aged 18 and over must enrol and vote. People who do not vote without a valid reason may be fined. Voting is by secret ballot. view question - What does a state premier do?
Leads a state government. Each state has a Premier, a parliament and a Governor who represents the King. view question - Who is responsible for local matters such as parks and local roads?
Local councils. Councils are elected by residents and provide services such as rubbish collection, libraries and planning. view question - What does the Australian Electoral Commission do?
It runs federal elections. The AEC is independent and manages enrolment and federal elections and referendums. view question - What is a bill?
A proposed law. A bill becomes an Act of Parliament after both houses pass it and it gets royal assent. view question
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