Australian Citizenship Practice Test #8

All 20 questions in Practice Test #8

Prefer to read through the questions at your own pace? Here is the full set with the correct answers and explanations. Use this as a study aid before attempting the timed test above.

1. Question 1

   How many years before European settlement did Aboriginal peoples arrive in Australia?

   • A.Approximately 200 years
   • B.Between 40,000 and 65,000 years
   • C.Approximately 500 years

   Correct answer: B — Between 40,000 and 65,000 years

   The archaeological record indicates Aboriginal peoples arrived in Australia between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago, tens of thousands of years before European settlement began in 1788.

2. Question 2

   What is a portfolio in the context of Australian government?

   • A.A collection of bills passed by Parliament
   • B.An area of government for which a minister is responsible
   • C.A voting location used in federal elections

   Correct answer: B — An area of government for which a minister is responsible

   A portfolio is an area of government for which a government minister is responsible. Examples include employment, Indigenous Affairs or the Treasury.

3. Question 3

   What is one consequence of not voting in federal elections if there is no valid reason?

   • A.You may have to pay a fine
   • B.You automatically lose your Australian citizenship
   • C.You will be imprisoned

   Correct answer: A — You may have to pay a fine

   Voting is compulsory in federal and state or territory elections for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over. If you do not vote without a good reason, you may have to pay a fine.

4. Question 4

   When in another country, Australian citizens must

   • A.obey the laws of that country
   • B.leave their passport at the Australian embassy
   • C.follow only Australian law

   Correct answer: A — obey the laws of that country

   When in another country, you must obey the laws of that country.

5. Question 5

   In Australia, who has the right to apply for a divorce?

   • A.either a husband or a wife
   • B.only the husband
   • C.only the wife

   Correct answer: A — either a husband or a wife

   The booklet states: 'Divorce is acceptable in Australia. Either a husband or a wife may apply for a divorce to the courts, even if the other spouse wishes to continue the marriage.'

6. Question 6

   Australia's system of government is a

   • A.parliamentary republic
   • B.parliamentary monarchy
   • C.parliamentary democracy

   Correct answer: C — parliamentary democracy

   The booklet states: 'Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy.'

7. Question 7

   The biggest annual public holiday in Australia is

   • A.the Queen's Birthday
   • B.Australia Day
   • C.Commonwealth Day

   Correct answer: B — Australia Day

   It is the biggest annual public holiday in Australia.

8. Question 8

   The leader of a state government is

   • A.a State Senator
   • B.a Governor
   • C.the Premier

   Correct answer: C — the Premier

   The leader of a state government is the Premier.

9. Question 9

   Australia's official national religion is

   • A.Christian
   • B.Protestant
   • C.Australia has no official national religion

   Correct answer: C — Australia has no official national religion

   The booklet states: 'Australia has no official national religion and people in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose.'

10. Question 10

    Why is jury service considered important in Australia's justice system?

    • A.It ensures the court system is open and fair because juries are ordinary citizens who decide guilt or innocence based on evidence
    • B.Jurors make laws and changes to the constitution
    • C.Only wealthy and educated people can serve on juries

    Correct answer: A — It ensures the court system is open and fair because juries are ordinary citizens who decide guilt or innocence based on evidence

    Jury service is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 and over. A jury is made up of ordinary Australian men and women randomly chosen from the general population who listen to evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty. This helps ensure the court system is open and fair.

11. Question 11

    In Australia, Buddhists and people of all other faiths receive

    • A.less treatment than Christians
    • B.the same treatment as Christians
    • C.more treatment than Christians

    Correct answer: B — the same treatment as Christians

    The booklet states: 'For example, Buddhists and people of all other faiths receive the same treatment as Christians.'

12. Question 12

    The capital city of Queensland is

    • A.Darwin
    • B.Brisbane
    • C.Canberra

    Correct answer: B — Brisbane

    Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland.

13. Question 13

    What is a referendum?

    • A.A special vote to nominate a Prime Minister
    • B.A vote to change the Australian Constitution
    • C.A vote to elect members of the Senate

    Correct answer: B — A vote to change the Australian Constitution

    A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution.

14. Question 14

    The background of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms is

    • A.the Union Jack
    • B.the Southern Cross
    • C.the golden wattle

    Correct answer: C — the golden wattle

    The background is the golden wattle, Australia's national flower.

15. Question 15

    In Australia, the law must be obeyed by

    • A.people with a criminal record
    • B.newcomers
    • C.everybody

    Correct answer: C — everybody

    The booklet states: 'In Australia, everybody should obey the law and not break it at any time, otherwise you will face penalties.'

16. Question 16

    After a Bill is proposed, it is

    • A.sent directly to the Prime Minister for approval
    • B.given Royal Assent
    • C.considered, debated and voted on by both Houses of Parliament

    Correct answer: C — considered, debated and voted on by both Houses of Parliament

    The House of Representatives and the Senate consider, debate and vote on whether they agree with the Bill.

17. Question 17

    When protesting in Australia, people

    • A.must have permission from the government
    • B.must be peaceful and not injure anyone or damage property
    • C.are allowed to use violence

    Correct answer: B — must be peaceful and not injure anyone or damage property

    At all times, however, the laws of Australia must be obeyed. This means that such gatherings must be peaceful, and must not injure any person or damage property.

18. Question 18

    General police work in the Australian Capital Territory is done by

    • A.the Australian Federal Police
    • B.the New South Wales state police
    • C.the Australian army

    Correct answer: A — the Australian Federal Police

    The AFP is also responsible for general police work in the Australian Capital Territory.

19. Question 19

    What does the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?

    • A.The power of the British monarchy in Australia
    • B.Australia's national unity and identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth of Australia
    • C.The indigenous ownership of the continent

    Correct answer: B — Australia's national unity and identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth of Australia

    The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia and represents Australia's national unity.

20. Question 20

    Which of the following is true about freedom of speech?

    • A.people do not have to obey Australian laws
    • B.people can protest peacefully and campaign to change laws
    • C.freedom of speech is not a core Australian value

    Correct answer: B — people can protest peacefully and campaign to change laws

    For example, people can criticise the government, protest peacefully against government decisions and campaign to change laws, so long as at all times they are still obeying Australian laws.