Practice test
Practice Test 9
20 questions, just like the real test. Attempt them, then check the answer key below — or take the timed, auto-scored version in Australian Citizenship Test.
Take this test timed and scored, with your predicted pass result — free to start in the app.
Download on theApp Store1. Which of the following is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?
- A. Voting in federal and state elections
- B. Owning a home
- C. Belonging to a political party
2. What does freedom of speech allow Australians to do?
- A. Say anything without any legal consequences
- B. Express opinions and ideas openly, within the limits of the law
- C. Broadcast on any television channel they choose
3. Which right is exclusively available to Australian citizens regarding their children born overseas?
- A. Enrolling children in Australian schools for free
- B. Registering children born overseas as Australian citizens
- C. Obtaining free childcare for children overseas
4. Which of the following roles is open only to Australian citizens?
- A. Private contractor roles
- B. Volunteer community roles
- C. Positions in the Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force
5. Which statement about freedom of religion in Australia is correct?
- A. People are free to follow any religion or none, with no requirement to declare a religion
- B. Citizens must declare a religion when becoming citizens
- C. Only religions registered with the government may be practised
6. What can happen to an Australian who peacefully criticises government policy?
- A. Nothing — freedom of speech protects open criticism of the government
- B. They can be imprisoned for criticising the government
- C. They automatically lose their citizenship
7. Who represents the King of Australia at the national level?
- A. The Prime Minister
- B. The Chief Justice
- C. The Governor-General
8. For enrolled Australian citizens, voting in federal elections is:
- A. Compulsory — they must vote or face a fine
- B. Optional — they may choose whether or not to vote
- C. Permitted only for citizens who own property
9. Which level of government is responsible for defence and foreign affairs?
- A. Local government
- B. State government
- C. Federal (Commonwealth) government
10. What are the three arms of the Australian federal government?
- A. The Monarchy, the Parliament, and the Courts
- B. The Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary
- C. The Senate, the Cabinet, and the Governor-General
11. Members of the House of Representatives are commonly called:
- A. Senators
- B. Members of Parliament (MPs)
- C. Councillors
12. What is the first step in creating a new federal law in Australia?
- A. A bill must be introduced into Parliament
- B. The Governor-General must issue a decree
- C. The Prime Minister must announce the law publicly
13. In Australia, how is a person accused of a crime treated by the law?
- A. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty
- B. They must prove their own innocence to the court
- C. They are presumed guilty until they can pay bail
14. What is a 'double majority' in the context of an Australian constitutional referendum?
- A. Two-thirds of all Australians must vote yes
- B. A national majority of voters and a majority in at least four of the six states
- C. Both houses of Parliament must vote yes twice
15. At what age does enrolment to vote become compulsory for Australian citizens?
- A. 18
- B. 16
- C. 21
16. Ministers in the federal government are chosen from:
- A. Independently appointed public servants
- B. Members of Parliament from the governing party or coalition
- C. State premiers
17. In Australia, who is expected to obey the law?
- A. Everyone, including government officials and members of parliament
- B. Only ordinary citizens, not elected leaders
- C. Only people who have taken the citizenship pledge
18. In Australia, is peaceful protest and expressing disagreement with the government allowed?
- A. Yes, provided it is done within the limits of the law
- B. No, criticising the government is forbidden
- C. Only if the government grants permission first
19. What does freedom of religion mean in Australia?
- A. People may follow any religion, or no religion, within the law
- B. Everyone must follow Australia's official state religion
- C. Religion may only be practised in private
20. In Australia, can an employer lawfully refuse to hire someone purely because of their racial background?
- A. No — this is racial discrimination and is against the law
- B. Yes — employers may set any hiring rules they wish
- C. Yes — provided the applicant is told the reason
Answer key
- 1. Voting in federal and state elections — Voting in federal and state elections is a responsibility of Australian citizenship. Owning a home or belonging to a political party is not a civic responsibility.
- 2. Express opinions and ideas openly, within the limits of the law — Freedom of speech allows Australians to express opinions and ideas openly, though this freedom operates within legal limits such as laws against defamation and incitement to hatred.
- 3. Registering children born overseas as Australian citizens — Australian citizens can register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent. This is a privilege of citizenship not available to permanent residents.
- 4. Positions in the Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force — Working in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force are privileges available to Australian citizens, reflecting the trust placed in citizens to serve the nation.
- 5. People are free to follow any religion or none, with no requirement to declare a religion — Freedom of religion means people are completely free to follow any religion or none at all. There is no requirement to declare a religion as part of the citizenship process.
- 6. Nothing — freedom of speech protects open criticism of the government — Freedom of speech and expression means Australians can openly criticise government decisions and policies without fear of imprisonment. This is a cornerstone of democratic society.
- 7. The Governor-General — The Governor-General is the King's representative in Australia at the federal level, carrying out the King's constitutional duties on his behalf.
- 8. 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.
- 9. Federal (Commonwealth) government — Defence and foreign affairs are responsibilities of the federal (Commonwealth) government, along with immigration, taxation, and other national matters.
- 10. 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.
- 11. Members of Parliament (MPs) — Elected members of the House of Representatives are called Members of Parliament, or MPs.
- 12. 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.
- 13. 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.
- 14. 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.
- 15. 18 — Enrolment on the electoral roll is compulsory for Australian citizens once they turn 18.
- 16. Members of Parliament from the governing party or coalition — Federal ministers are MPs or senators drawn from the party or coalition that holds government. They are responsible for specific areas of government policy.
- 17. Everyone, including government officials and members of parliament — Commitment to the rule of law means no one is above the law in Australia — not even elected leaders or public officials.
- 18. Yes, provided it is done within the limits of the law — Freedom of speech is a core Australian value. People may criticise the government or express opposing views, provided they do so within the limits of the law.
- 19. People may follow any religion, or no religion, within the law — Freedom of religion is a core Australian value. People may follow any faith — or none — as long as they act within the law. Australia has no official state religion.
- 20. No — this is racial discrimination and is against the law — Discriminating against someone in employment based on race is against Australian law and inconsistent with the value of equal opportunity for all.