Australian Citizenship Test flashcards
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31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- How many states in Australia
- Australia has six states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. It also has two mainland territories: the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
- Australia's capital city
- Canberra is the capital of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory. It was purpose-built as the seat of the national government, situated between Sydney and Melbourne.
- Australian national colours
- Australia's national colours are green and gold. They are worn by national sporting teams and appear in the national floral emblem, the golden wattle.
- Commonwealth Star meaning
- The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag represents the six states plus the territories. It sits beneath the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter.
- First inhabitants of Australia
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first inhabitants of Australia. Their cultures are among the oldest continuous cultures in the world, spanning tens of thousands of years.
- Australia's landmass status
- Australia is both the world's smallest continent and its largest island nation. It is the only country that occupies an entire continent.
- Population distribution in Australia
- Most Australians live along the coast, especially in the south-east. The vast interior, known as the outback, is arid or semi-arid and very sparsely populated.
- What is a representative democracy
- In a representative democracy, citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament. Those representatives make laws and decisions on behalf of the community.
- Rule of law meaning
- The rule of law means everyone, including the government and its officials, is subject to the law. No person or institution is above the law.
- Compulsory voting in Australia
- Australian citizens aged 18 and over must enrol to vote and must vote in federal elections. Failing to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine.
- Separation of powers
- The separation of powers divides government authority among the legislature (parliament), the executive (ministers and government departments) and the judiciary (the courts). This prevents concentration of power.
- Freedom of religion in Australia
- Australians may follow any religion or no religion. Section 116 of the Constitution limits the Commonwealth's power to make laws establishing a religion or restricting religious freedom.
- Freedom of speech in Australia
- Australians are free to express opinions and criticise the government. This freedom is protected in practice but is subject to reasonable laws, such as those against defamation and incitement to violence.
- Four key democratic values
- Australia's key democratic values are respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, and parliamentary democracy.
- Who forms government
- The party or coalition that wins a majority of seats in the House of Representatives forms government. Its leader becomes Prime Minister.
- Head of state of Australia
- The King is Australia's head of state. At federal level the Governor-General represents the King; each state has a Governor who represents the Crown at state level.
- Two houses of Parliament
- The Federal Parliament has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Proposed laws must pass both houses before receiving royal assent.
- Senate composition
- The Senate has 76 senators: 12 from each state and 2 from each of the two mainland territories. State senators serve six-year terms.
- House of Representatives terms
- Members of the House of Representatives serve terms of up to three years. The House currently has 151 members, each representing an electoral division.
- How the Constitution changes
- The Constitution changes only through a referendum. A double majority is required: a majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states.
- Highest court in Australia
- The High Court of Australia is the highest court. It interprets the Constitution, hears constitutional disputes and is the final court of appeal.
- Role of the Governor-General
- The Governor-General represents the King at federal level. The role includes appointing the Prime Minister, giving royal assent to laws and performing ceremonial duties.
- What local governments do
- Local councils are established under state law. They manage local services such as rubbish collection, parks, libraries, local roads and building approvals.
- Jury service duty
- Eligible enrolled voters can be summoned for jury service. Serving on a jury is a civic duty, and jurors decide the facts in serious criminal trials.
- Equality under Australian law
- Australian law applies equally to all people regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background. Everyone is entitled to the same legal protections.
- Meaning of a fair go
- A fair go means equality of opportunity: everyone should have a fair chance in life regardless of background. Mutual respect and tolerance support this value.
- Resolving disputes peacefully
- Australian values reject violence as a way to resolve disputes. Disagreements are settled through peaceful means, including the law, courts and democratic processes.
- Citizenship pledge content
- The pledge of commitment states loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs the person shares, and affirms respect for rights, liberties and the law.
- Mateship and volunteerism
- Mateship reflects loyalty, mutual help and looking out for others. Australians value volunteering and community service, especially in emergencies such as bushfires and floods.
- Freedom of religion as a value
- Freedom of religion means people may follow any religion or none, without coercion. Australians are expected to respect the beliefs of others as part of mutual tolerance.
- English requirement for citizenship
- Most citizenship applicants must show basic English proficiency. English is the national language and supports participation in work, education and community life.