The Federal Parliament
This house of federal parliament is also known as the "People’s House," where each member represents an electorate based on population.
House of Representatives
his is the age at which an Australian citizen has the "right and responsibility" to participate in democracy by enrolling and voting.
18 years old
This is the term for a vote by the people to change the wording of the Australian Constitution.
Referendum
This is the maximum term a member of the House of Representatives can serve before another federal election must be held.
3
These are the three distinct levels of government in Australia that have different law-making responsibilities.
Federal, State/Territory, and Local
Also called the "States’ House," this body ensures all states are equally represented, regardless of their size or population.
Senate
An Australian citizen can actually join the electoral roll starting at this age, even though they cannot vote yet.
16 years old
This is the year Australia became a nation when the six separate colonies formally united under the Constitution.
1901
In the House of Representatives, this specific color is used for both the seating/carpet and the ballot papers handed to voters on election day.
Green
Proposed laws being considered by Parliament are known by this term until they are passed and given Royal Assent.
Bills
While state senators are elected for six-year fixed terms, these territory senators are only elected for a maximum of three years.
ACT and Northern Territory senators
This independent statutory authority is responsible for providing electoral services and educational resources to Australian citizens.
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
his special voting requirement means a change to the Constitution must be approved by a majority of voters nationwide AND a majority of voters in at least four out of six states.
Double Majority
Members of the House of Representatives are elected to represent these specific geographical areas, which are determined by population.
Electorates
This representative of the King must sign a Bill (Royal Assent) before it officially becomes an Act of Parliament.
Governor-General
This is the specific number of senators each Australian state elects to represent them in the Senate.
12
This process occurs at least once every seven years to ensure that all electorates within a state or territory have approximately the same number of voters.
Redistribution
Of the 45 referendums held since Federation, this is the total number that have actually been successful in changing the Australian Constitution.
8
This is the title of the member of parliament who is elected by the House to preside over its debates and maintain order.
Speaker
This level of government is responsible for matters that affect the whole of Australia, such as defense, immigration, and currency.
Federal (or Commonwealth) Government
This rule, found in the Australian Constitution, states that the number of members in the House of Representatives must be approximately twice the number of senators.
Nexus
This type of election is held if a member of the House of Representatives resigns or dies before the end of their term.
By-election
For a referendum to be successful, it must achieve a "double majority." According to the document, this means a majority of voters nationwide PLUS a majority of voters in at least this many states.
4 out of 6 states
To be elected to the House of Representatives, a candidate must receive this type of majority, meaning they must secure more than 50% of the total formal votes after preferences are counted.
Absolute Majority
If the House of Representatives and the Senate cannot agree on a proposed law, the Prime Minister can advise the Governor-General to dissolve both houses and call this specific type of election.
1962