Vocabulary
What is Federation?
Federation is when separate colonies join to become one nation or country and are governed by one leader, sharing the same rules and laws.
Who is known as the 'Father of Federation?'
Sir Henry Parkes
What is the Constitution?
A constitution is a set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works. The constitution may tell what the branches of the government are, what powers they have, and how they work. It may also state the rights of citizens. The government’s other laws are not allowed to disagree with its constitution.
When did Australia officially Federate?
Australia become one nation on the 1st of January 1901
A referendum is a special kind of voting, in which voters are asked to make or change a law by voting yes or no on an idea
Why is the 'father of federation' called this?
Sir Henry Parkes was known as the father of Federation because he was the person who encouraged the colonies to begin thinking of Federating. He was the one who unified each of the Australian Colonies to federate
Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?
Sir Edmond Barton
What are some reasons FOR federation?
-Defence: If we all build one big defence force we will be much safer
- Trade: If we are one nation we will be free to move and work between the colonies. We will also be more appealing to overseas trading with one set of trade rules rather than six would make it easier.
-Less Tax: we won't have to pay taxes and declare items when moving from one colony to another.
-Services: Same transport system meaning it is easier to transport goods and services from one state to another. Currently, our rail systems are different which makes it very hard to get the things we need.
In the lead up to Federation what were some of the events that occurred?
Possible Answers:
-Referendums and peoples conferences were held in each colony to encourage them to agree to a constitution.
-Sir Henry Parkes urges colonies to federate
-They begin drafting a constitution
-Economic depression occurred meaning people lost interest in Federating.
-The British parliament passed the constitution and Queen Victoria signs the important document
-WA was the last colony to agree to Federation.
See timeline for more accepted answers
What are some reasons AGAINST federation?
-Some people are patriotic to the British Mother Country and don't want to split from them.
-Smaller colonies such as Tasmania and South Australia are worried that bigger, wealthier colonies will take power over the decision making.
-Big colonies are worried they will be paying for the smaller colonies
-Distance: WA initially refused to federate because the government officials felt they were too far away from the big, wealthier colonies. They changed their minds once they were promised a railway line to WA>