Test 3 of 7
Government and Law Test 3
Format
20 MCQs
Time Limit
45 Minutes
Language
English
Booklet
Our Common Bond
This test includes questions from OCB Testable Part 3: Government and the law in Australia.
Pass Mark: 15/20 | Success Rate: 75%
Start Test
What do we call an elected representative in the House of Representatives?
Governor.
Member of Parliament (MP).
Premier.
People elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the federal House of Representatives.
What determines the number of MPs elected from each state?
Geographical size.
Economic development.
Population.
States with more people have more electorates and therefore more Members of Parliament.
Who is the head of the Australian Government?
The King.
Prime Minister.
Governor-General.
In Australia's system, the Prime Minister is the leader of the government and the Executive branch.
Which Parliament originally passed the Australian Constitution in 1900?
Australian Legislature.
Commonwealth Referendum.
British Parliament.
The British Parliament passed the "Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900" to create the nation.
How many senators does each of the six states elect?
10.
12.
15.
Each state elects 12 senators to ensure equal representation for all states in the Senate.
Who do citizens elect to represent them in a local government area?
State Governors.
Federal Representatives.
Local Councillors.
Citizens vote for local councillors to manage the affairs and services of their local community.
Who leads the various government departments in the Executive branch?
Ministers.
Governor-General.
Members of Parliament.
Government Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are responsible for managing government departments.
Which official performs duties similar to a state Governor in the Northern Territory?
Premier.
Administrator.
Governor-General.
An Administrator represents the Crown in the Northern Territory, just as a Governor does in a state.
Which body plans and delivers services like waste collection?
State Government.
Federal Government.
Local Council.
Local councils manage local services like rubbish collection, library services, and local road repairs.
What system ensures that no one knows how an individual voted?
Secret ballot system.
Voting in person.
Public disclosure.
Australia uses a secret ballot system so that people can vote freely and safely without pressure.
Which branch of government is responsible for carrying out and implementing laws?
Legislative.
Executive.
Judicial.
The Executive branch puts laws into action and manages the day-to-day business of the government.
Why is voting compulsory for Australian citizens?
To generate revenue.
To promote political parties.
To ensure public participation.
Compulsory voting ensures that the government represents the will of the majority of the people.
What is another name for a local government area?
Municipality.
Borough.
Province.
Local government areas are often called municipalities, cities, shires, or towns.
Who can legally influence or interfere with the decisions and work of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)?
No one, as the AEC is an independent body.
The political party currently in power.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
The AEC is an independent body. This means that government officials, politicians, and political parties cannot influence its decisions or interfere with its work. This independence ensures that Australian elections are conducted fairly, transparently, and according to the law.
How are Members of Parliament (MPs) chosen for the House of Representatives?
They are elected by a direct public vote of the people in their electorate.
They are appointed by the Governor-General.
They are selected by the Prime Minister from the public service.
Australia is divided into local areas called electorates. During a federal election, citizens in each electorate vote for a candidate to represent them. The candidate who receives the most votes becomes the Member of Parliament (MP) for that electorate in the House of Representatives.
What is the King's role in Australia’s constitutional monarchy?
Direct governance.
Head of Government.
Symbolic Head of State.
The King is the symbolic Head of State, while the Governor-General performs the actual duties on his behalf.
Who represents the King in Australia and signs off on new laws?
Speaker of the House.
Prime Minister.
Governor-General.
The Governor-General acts on behalf of the King and performs important duties like signing bills into law.
When did the Australian Constitution officially begin?
1 January 1899.
1 January 1901.
1 January 1801.
The Constitution took effect on 1 January 1901, uniting the colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia.
What major change occurred for the Australian colonies on 1 January 1901?
Union into one nation.
Establishment of states.
Independence from UK.
On this date, the separate colonies joined together to become one independent nation.
What is the title of an elected representative in the Upper House?
Prime Minister.
Premier.
Senator.
Senators represent their entire state or territory in the Upper House of the Australian Parliament.