Govern
ment
Democracy & Freedom
Laws & Justice
Diversity & First People
Census & Values
100

Name the three branches of

government and what each one

does.

Legislature makes the law,

executive administers it, judiciary

applies it

100

Name the five fundamental

freedoms.

Speech, association, assembly,

religion and movement

100

Which is the most powerful type of law in Australia, and why?

The Constitution – it can only be changed by the people through a referendum

100

What does it mean that Australia is a 'secular' nation?

Church and state are separate – religious groups don't run the government

100

What is the final stage of becoming an Australian citizen?

The citizenship ceremony, where new citizens can take the pledge

200

How many of the 150 seats in the House of

Representatives must a party win to form

government?

At least 76 (an absolute majority)

200

Give one benefit of social media for

voters and one for politicians.

Voters can ask politicians questions: politicians can spread their message to more people

200

A judge's decision in a new type of case must be followed in similar future cases. What is this called?

A precedent (common law)

200

On the Aboriginal flag, what do the black, red and yellow represent?

Black: Aboriginal peoples · Red: the earth · Yellow: the sun

200

Name one responsibility AND one privilege of Australian citizens.

Responsibility: obey the law, vote, defend the country. Privilege: stand for parliament, Australian passport

300

What is the difference between the

'parliament' and the 'government'?

Government = the party with the majority

in the House of Reps. 

Parliament = all members of both houses plus the

Governor-General

300

You're 13 and want your council to build a skate park. Name two ways you could make your voice heard.

e.g. start a petition, contact your councillor, volunteer, hold a peaceful protest

300

Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce was fined $200 in 2021 for not wearing a mask. Which principle does this show?

The rule of law – everyone is equal before the law, whatever their power

300

Who is Tagai, and why is he important to Torres Strait Islander peoples?

A warrior of the sea seen in the stars (Orion and the Pleiades) who connects them as sea people

300

What is the difference between an economic migrant and a refugee?

An economic migrant moves for work or money; a refugee moves to escape persecution or seek protection

400

Before 1901, each colony had its own

railways, stamps, taxes and army. Explain

why this led to Federation.

Trade and travel were difficult and there

was no defence force for the whole country,

so a central parliament was needed

400

What is the difference between an insider and an outsider lobby group? Give an example of each.

Insider works with politicians directly (Australian Christian Lobby); outsider uses community pressure (School Strike for Climate).

400

A person with a hearing impairment is given an interpreter in court. Which principle of justice is this, and why is it fair?

Equality (through equity) – extra support so they are not disadvantaged

400

What did the 1992 Mabo decision recognise, and why was it so significant?

The Meriam People's connection to their land on the Murray Islands – the first major legal recognition of First Nations land claims

400

Why was Adam Goodes named Australian of the Year in 2014, and what makes him an active citizen?

His fight against racism; he co-founded the GO Foundation for First Nations education and jobs