The Australian Constitution

Test yourself on this topic

11 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

1. 1. A proposed change to the Constitution wins a majority of votes across the nation, but a majority in only one state. What is the result?

   • The change passes once the High Court approves it
   • The change passes only in the state that voted yes
   • The change passes because the national vote is enough
   • The change fails because a double majority was not reached

   Explanation: A national majority alone is not enough; most of the states must also vote yes before the Constitution can change.

2. 2. How can the Australian people change the Australian Constitution?

   • By voting in a referendum
   • By writing to the Governor-General
   • By signing a public petition
   • By asking the High Court to rewrite it

   Explanation: Only the people can change the Constitution, and they do it by voting in a referendum.

3. 3. In what year was the Australian Constitution originally passed?

   • 1788
   • 1967
   • 2001
   • 1900

   Explanation: It was passed in 1900 in Britain, and then came into effect in Australia the following year.

4. 4. Roughly what share of Australians voted 'Yes' in the 1967 Referendum?

   • Around 50 per cent
   • More than 90 per cent
   • Around 30 per cent
   • Around 70 per cent

   Explanation: The 1967 Referendum passed with a very large yes vote of more than 90 per cent.

5. 5. The Australian Constitution was originally passed as part of what?

   • An agreement of the United Nations
   • A vote of the Australian colonies
   • A British Act of Parliament
   • A decision of the High Court

   Explanation: The Constitution began as part of an Act passed by the British Parliament.

6. 6. What change did Australians vote for in the 1967 Referendum?

   • To make voting in elections compulsory for everyone
   • To allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census
   • To create the High Court of Australia
   • To move the Parliament to a new capital city

   Explanation: The 1967 Referendum changed the Constitution so that Aboriginal peoples were counted in the Census.

7. 7. What does a 'double majority' in a referendum mean?

   • A majority of members in both houses of the Parliament
   • A majority of judges and a majority of federal ministers
   • A majority of voters in two referendums held in a row
   • A majority of voters nationally and in a majority of states

   Explanation: Two separate majorities are needed: most states must vote yes, and most voters across the country must vote yes.

8. 8. What happened to the Australian colonies when the Constitution came into effect?

   • They each elected their own High Court
   • They were returned to direct British rule
   • They became one independent nation
   • They kept their own separate constitutions only

   Explanation: Once the Constitution started, the separate colonies became a single independent country.

9. 9. What is the Australian Constitution?

   • A written list of the names of all Australian states
   • A legal document setting out the rules for government
   • A speech given at the official opening of Parliament
   • A peace treaty signed between Australia and Britain

   Explanation: The Constitution is the legal document that lays down the basic rules for governing Australia.

10. 10. Which TWO houses make up the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia established by the Constitution?

    • The Senate
    • The House of Lords
    • The Council of States
    • The House of Representatives

    Explanation: The Constitution created a parliament with two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

11. 11. Which court has the ultimate power to apply and interpret the laws of Australia?

    • The Court of the Governor-General
    • The Senate Committee of Law
    • The High Court of Australia
    • The Federal Council of Judges

    Explanation: The Constitution set up the High Court, and it has the final say on what Australia's laws mean.