Australian Civics and Citizenship

Question 1

What was the Commonwealth of Australia established as?

Answer 1

As a constitutional monarchy. ‘Constitutional’ because the Commonwealth of Australia was established with a written constitution, and ‘monarchy’ because of Australia’s head of state was Queen Victoria.

Question 2

How was The Constitution brought upon?

Answer 2

It was brought into existence through a British Act of Parliament, The Commonwealth of Australian Constitution Act.

Question 3

Why was the birth of our nation referred to as ‘federation’?

Answer 3

The Constitution created a ‘federal’ system of government. Under a federal system, powers are divided between a central government and the governments of the six colonies

Question 4

Why did Australia federate?

Answer 4

Before federation, Australia was a group of colonies their own Parliament, taxes, defence force and railway gauges. By the 1880’s, this system was decreasing its efficiency, so it was decided to become a nation rather than Britain’s colonies

Question 5

When did Australia become an independent nation?

Answer 5

1st Jaanuary 190, when the British parliament passed legislation allowing the six Australian colonies to govern in their own right as part of the Commonwealth of Australia