Australian Citizenship Test cheat sheet

Australia has six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania) and two mainland territories (Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory).

The Australian Capital Territory was created as the site of the national capital, Canberra, and was carved from New South Wales.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised as the first inhabitants of Australia, with continuous cultures dating back at least 65,000 years.

The Australian flag has three elements: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star (seven points for six states plus the territories), and the Southern Cross.

Australia's national colours are green and gold; the golden wattle is the national floral emblem.

Australia's population is concentrated along the coast; the interior (the outback) is sparsely populated and arid or semi-arid.

English is the national language and the language of instruction, business and government, though Australia is multilingual.

Australia is the world's smallest continent and largest island nation, and is the only nation to occupy an entire continent.

Australia is a representative democracy: citizens elect members of parliament, who make laws on their behalf.

Government is formed by the party or coalition that wins a majority of seats in the House of Representatives.

The rule of law means all people and institutions, including the government, are subject to the law.

Freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion and freedom of peaceful assembly are core Australian values protected in practice.

Section 116 of the Constitution prevents the Commonwealth from making laws to establish a religion or restrict free exercise of religion.

Voting in federal elections is compulsory for all enrolled citizens aged 18 and over; enrolment is also compulsory.

The separation of powers divides authority among the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

Australia has four key democratic values often summarised as: respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, and parliamentary democracy.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is head of state, represented at federal level by the Governor-General and in each state by a Governor.

The Federal Parliament has two houses: the Senate (76 senators, 12 per state, 2 per territory) and the House of Representatives (currently 151 members).

Senators serve six-year terms; members of the House of Representatives serve terms of up to three years.

The Constitution can only be changed by a referendum: a double majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in a majority of states (at least four of six).

The High Court of Australia is the highest court and interprets the Constitution; it is the final court of appeal.

The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives and is appointed by the Governor-General.

State parliaments make laws on matters not exclusively given to the Commonwealth, such as education, health, roads and policing.

Local governments (councils) are established under state law and manage local services such as rubbish collection, parks and libraries.

Citizens serve on juries when summoned; jury service is a civic duty for eligible enrolled voters.

The values statement signed by citizenship applicants covers: respect for freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, and equality of opportunity for all.

Australian law applies equally to everyone regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background.

Freedom of religion means people may follow any religion or no religion, and must be free to do so without coercion.

Equality of opportunity means all Australians should have a fair chance in life and mutual respect and tolerance are expected.

Violence is never acceptable as a way to resolve disputes; disagreements are settled peacefully through law and democratic processes.

The pledge of commitment affirms loyalty to Australia, its people, and its democratic beliefs, rights and liberties, and respect for the law.

Australian values include mateship, a fair go, compassion for those in need, and volunteerism in the community.

English language proficiency is required for most citizenship applicants because English is the national language and supports participation in society.