Study topic
The Australian Constitution and referendums
The Constitution sets the rules for how Australia is governed. The test expects you to know what it does and how the people can change it.
Key facts to remember
- ◆ The Constitution came into effect on 1 January 1901.
- ◆ It sets out the powers of the federal Parliament and the states.
- ◆ It can only be changed by a referendum, not by parliament alone.
- ◆ A referendum needs a "double majority": a national majority and a majority in most states.