204 practice questions with detailed explanations
The Government and Law section tests your knowledge of Australia's legal and governmental systems. This includes how the Constitution works, the structure of the court system, the responsibilities of different levels of government, and the rights and duties of Australian citizens under the law. These questions form a significant portion of the citizenship test.
Australia's legal system is based on the rule of law — the principle that no person is above the law and that laws apply equally to everyone. The court system is independent of the government, ensuring fair and impartial justice. The High Court of Australia is the final court of appeal and has the power to interpret the Constitution. Understanding these structures helps you appreciate how rights are protected in Australia.
This section also covers practical aspects of Australian law, such as the responsibilities of citizens (including jury duty, voting, and obeying the law), the role of the police, and how the tax system works. Questions may also touch on important legislation like anti-discrimination laws and the rights of Indigenous Australians. By practising these questions, you will build a solid understanding of how government and law shape daily life in Australia.
To raise concerns about government policy, you can contact
In Australia, citizens have a say in government by
If you are not correctly enrolled to vote,
What does AEC stand for?
The Australian Electoral Commission is
Which of the following is true about the AEC?
Voting by secret ballot means
If you do not vote and have no good reason,
Compulsory voting ensures that
Your elected representative should consider your suggestions when
Before 1901, Australia was
Before 1901, each colony
People wanted to unite the colonies because
People wanted to unite the colonies because
The basic rules for the government of Australia are set out in
On 1 January 1901, the Australian colonies became
Which of these was established by the Australian Constitution?
The Australian Parliament consists of
In which referendum did over 90% of Australians vote 'Yes' for Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census?
To change the Constitution, a referendum needs
A double majority in a referendum means
The three types of government power in Australia are
Which of these statements about the Australian Constitution is correct?
The Australian Constitution divides power to
In Australia, the power to make and change laws belongs to
The Executive includes
Ministers are responsible for
Judicial power is
Who are independent of parliament and government?
The Governor-General is appointed by
In each state, the King is represented by
A constitutional monarchy is a country where
The King's powers are delegated to the Governor-General because
Australia's parliamentary democracy reflects
A role of the Governor-General is
A role of the Governor-General is
Royal Assent is when
The Governor-General's special powers are called
Who starts the process for a federal election?
The leader of a state government is
The leader of a territory government is
A government minister is
Government ministers are chosen by
Government ministers are responsible for
A Senator is
The leader of a local government is called
A Councillor is
The Australian Government is also called the
Members of the Houses of Parliament are elected by
The House of Representatives belongs to
In the House of Representatives, people are represented by
The number of MPs for each state or territory is based on
How many members are elected to the House of Representatives?
The House of Representatives considers new laws by
Members of Parliament and senators discuss
Another name for the Senate is
In the Senate, states are represented
How many senators does each state elect?
How many senators does each territory elect?
Which of these about Australian states is correct?
State governments operate
In the Northern Territory, the King is represented by
In the Northern Territory, the Administrator is appointed by
An Administrator's role is similar to that of
Which of these about states and territories is correct?
The states and the Northern Territory are divided into
Which of these about local government is correct?
Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian Government?
Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian Government?
Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian Government?
Which of these is a responsibility of the Australian Government?
Which of these is a responsibility of state and territory governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of state and territory governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of state and territory governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of local governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of local governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of local governments?
Which of these is a responsibility of local governments?
Which of these about government responsibilities is correct?
Members of a political party
Which of these is a main political party in Australia?
Which of these is a main political party in Australia?
Parliamentarians who do not belong to any political party are called
In Australia, who is free to join a political party?
After a federal election, the Australian Government is formed by
In Australian politics, the Opposition is
Who recommends members of Parliament to become ministers?
Who approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers?
In the Australian Government, a portfolio is
The Cabinet is made up of
The Cabinet is
How many steps does a Bill go through to become a law?
After a Bill is proposed, it is
A Bill goes to the Governor-General when
Which of these about Australian courts is correct?
Courts base their decisions on
The highest authority in a court is
Which of these about judges and magistrates is correct?
Judges and magistrates are appointed by
Which of these about Australia's court system is correct?
In some cases, a court uses this to decide if a person has broken the law:
A jury is made up of
In a court, the law is explained to the jury by
In a criminal trial, if the jury finds a person guilty,
Part of the police's job is to
Which of these about Australian police is correct?
In Australia, who decides if a person is guilty or not?
Which of these about Australian police is correct?
Crimes against federal laws are investigated by
It is acceptable to offer a bribe to a police officer
In Australia, a good excuse for breaking a law is
The right to safe relationships with families and loved ones belongs to
In Australia, violence towards another person is
Domestic or family violence is
Which of these about domestic violence in Australia is correct?
For breaking traffic laws, you could
Which of these about travelling in a car in Australia is correct?
Which of these about driving in Australia is correct?
What is the primary responsibility of the House of Representatives?
Who approves the appointment of government ministers?
What is the process called when the Governor-General signs a Bill into law?
What is the role of the Australian Electoral Commission?
What happens if the majority in each House of Parliament agrees to a Bill?
Who appoints the Governor-General?
Which portfolio area does NOT fall under government minister responsibility?
Who can become a member of Parliament at the federal level?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the Governor-General and political parties?
Who represents the King in the Northern Territory?
What penalty may apply if you do not vote in a compulsory federal election?
What is a portfolio in the context of Australian government?
How does Australian law ensure independence of the courts?
Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?
How can the Australian Constitution be changed?
What does it mean that Australia is a constitutional monarchy?
What does the Cabinet consist of?
What is a key difference between states and territories regarding constitutional rights?
How are federal electorates distributed across states and territories?
What is the 'double majority' required to change the Australian Constitution by referendum?