Test 5 of 7
Government and Law Test 5
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 protects Australian courts from being controlled by politicians?
Judicial power.
Legislative power.
Parliamentary power.
The Constitution separates judicial power to keep the courts independent from the government.
What is the job of the Leader of the Opposition?
Leading the government.
Forming the Cabinet.
Leading the second-largest party.
The Leader of the Opposition leads the party that did not win enough seats to form the government.
Who leads a state government in Australia?
Premier.
President.
Chief Minister.
The leader of a state government is called the Premier.
What are the two Houses of the Australian Federal Parliament?
Assembly and Senate.
Lords and Commons.
House of Reps and Senate.
The Federal Parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the Senate sometimes called because it protects the interests of the states?
States' House.
People's Chamber.
Central House.
The Senate is often called the "States' House" because it ensures all states have equal representation.
What do we call members of Parliament who do not belong to a political party?
Non-partisans.
Unaffiliated.
Independents.
Parliamentarians who represent themselves without joining a political party are called "independents."
What should elected representatives do with citizen suggestions?
Manage local schools.
Consider the suggestions.
Limit public info.
Elected representatives should listen to and consider the ideas their constituents have for changing laws.
What is the Governor-General’s title in the Australian Defence Force?
Commander-in-Chief.
Defense Minister.
Military strategist.
The Governor-General holds the ceremonial title of Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
What is the main role of the Senate regarding new laws?
To exercise Executive Authority over the Prime Minister.
To review, debate, and vote on laws passed by the House of Representatives.
To provide Judicial Oversight of the High Court.
The Senate is one of the two houses of the Australian Parliament. Its main job is to review, debate, and vote on "Bills" (proposed laws) that have been passed by the House of Representatives. This ensures that laws are carefully considered before they become official.
How can citizens suggest changes to the law in Australia?
Contacting representatives.
Social media posts.
Civil disobedience.
Citizens can share their ideas for new laws by contacting their local MP or a Senator directly.
How does the Governor-General start the process for a federal election?
By announcing their own candidacy for office.
By approving all political advertisements for television.
By dissolving the Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister.
To start a federal election, the Governor-General must "dissolve" the Parliament. This is done on the advice of the Prime Minister. Once Parliament is dissolved, the Governor-General issues "writs" for an election, which officially begins the voting process.
Which power ensures that judges are free from government influence?
Executive power.
Legislative power.
Judicial power.
Judicial power allows courts to interpret the law independently of the government and parliament.
What did the 1967 Referendum change regarding Aboriginal peoples?
Economic reforms.
Inclusion in the Census.
Voting rights for women.
Over 90% of Australians voted "Yes" to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Census.
How can citizens help decide government policies?
Avoiding discussions.
Joining community groups.
Remaining silent.
Citizens can join community organizations or interest groups to help influence government decisions.
What do Senators do besides representing their states?
Run local councils.
Set state policies.
Vote on new laws.
Senators debate and vote on national law proposals in the Upper House.
What freedom do Australians have regarding political parties?
Freedom to join.
Limited choices.
Mandatory joining.
Every Australian is free to join any political party or choose not to join one at all.
What is needed to change the Australian Constitution in a referendum?
Simple majority of voters.
Majority of states only.
Double majority.
A change needs a "double majority": a majority of all voters plus a majority of voters in at least 4 states.
How must the Governor-General act regarding political parties?
Support the ruling party.
Neutral and non-partisan.
Follow the opposition.
The Governor-General must remain neutral and stay out of day-to-day party politics.
Which person is elected to represent the community at the local council level?
Premier.
Senator.
Councillor.
A councillor is an elected representative who makes decisions for a local government area.
Who forms the Australian Government?
All state governments.
The winning party/coalition.
All members of local councils.
The party or coalition with the most members in the House of Representatives forms the government.