Practice Test 10

Answer key

1. 1. 18 — In Australia, enrolment to vote is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over, and voting itself is also compulsory once enrolled.
2. 2. Compulsory — they must vote or face a fine — Australia has compulsory voting at federal, state and territory elections. Enrolled citizens must vote or face a fine.
3. 3. Secret ballot — Australia uses a secret ballot, meaning no one else can see how a person voted. This protects voters from intimidation or pressure.
4. 4. Three — Australia has three levels of government: federal (Commonwealth), state and territory, and local government.
5. 5. Federal (Commonwealth) government — Defence and foreign affairs are responsibilities of the federal (Commonwealth) government, along with immigration, taxation, and other national matters.
6. 6. Local government (councils) — Local councils (local government) are responsible for services close to the community such as local roads, parks, libraries, and rubbish collection.
7. 7. Hospitals and schools — State and territory governments manage hospitals, schools, police, and public transport, among other services that directly affect daily life.
8. 8. The Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary — The three arms (branches) of the Australian federal government are the Parliament (legislature), the Executive, and the Judiciary (courts). This separation of powers prevents any one group from holding all authority.
9. 9. To make and change laws — The Parliament is the legislative arm of government. Its primary function is to make and change laws for the country.
10. 10. The House of Representatives and the Senate — The Australian federal Parliament comprises the House of Representatives (lower house) and the Senate (upper house).
11. 11. Members of Parliament (MPs) — Elected members of the House of Representatives are called Members of Parliament, or MPs.
12. 12. Senators — Members elected to the Senate — the upper house of Australia's federal Parliament — are known as Senators. Members of the House of Representatives are called MPs.
13. 13. The Prime Minister — The Prime Minister is the leader of the federal government, heading the party or coalition that holds a majority in the House of Representatives.
14. 14. A bill must be introduced into Parliament — A proposed law begins as a bill, which is introduced into Parliament. It must then pass through both houses before becoming law.
15. 15. It receives royal assent and becomes law — Once a bill passes both houses of Parliament, it requires royal assent — formally signed by the Governor-General on behalf of the King — to become an Act of Parliament (a law).
16. 16. To interpret and apply the law independently — The Judiciary — Australia's courts — independently interprets and applies the law. Courts are separate from the Parliament and Executive to ensure impartial justice.
17. 17. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty — Presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of Australian law. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, not the accused.
18. 18. Separation of powers — The separation of powers divides government authority among the Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary, preventing any one group — especially politicians — from controlling the courts.
19. 19. Through a referendum requiring a double majority — Changing the Australian Constitution requires a referendum in which a double majority is achieved: a national majority of all voters plus a majority in at least four of the six states.
20. 20. A national majority of voters and a majority in at least four of the six states — A double majority means the proposed change must be approved by a majority of all voters nationally AND by a majority of voters in at least four of the six states.