Skip to content
Our values · 1 min read

Parliamentary democracy

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy. Our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people. This means that Australian citizens are involved in how the country is governed. The power of the government comes from the Australian people because Australian citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.

Voting is compulsory in Australia. This shows the importance of participating in elections.

Test yourself on this topic

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

  1. 1. A federal election is announced and your friend says that voting is a waste of time. What does Australia expect of you?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Vote only when a local issue affects your own street
    • Vote only if you support one of the parties standing
    • Vote, because voting is compulsory in Australia
    • Leave voting to the people who follow politics closely

    Explanation: Voting is not optional in Australia. Taking part in elections is treated as a duty of citizenship.

  2. 2. How is Australia's system of government best described?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • A parliamentary democracy
    • A government chosen by the armed forces
    • A state ruled by religious law
    • A country ruled by one royal family alone

    Explanation: Australia is a parliamentary democracy, which means an elected parliament governs the country.

  3. 3. Someone asks you where the power of the Australian government comes from. What is the best answer?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • From the judges who interpret Australia's laws
    • From the Australian people, who vote for their representatives
    • From the parties that raise the most money at elections
    • From senior public servants who advise the ministers

    Explanation: Government power flows from the people. Citizens choose the members of parliament who govern on their behalf.

  4. 4. Who decides the laws of Australia in our system of government?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Public servants appointed by the government
    • Leaders chosen by each religious group
    • Newspaper, television and radio outlets
    • Parliaments elected by the people

    Explanation: Laws are made by parliaments, and the people choose who sits in those parliaments.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet