Australian Culture and History Flashcards
Historically, Aboriginal Australians are from the mainland and Tasmania while Torres Strait Islanders are from
The islands to the north of Queensland
The “First Fleet” (11 convict ships) arrived from Great Britain on the
26 of January 1788
First Governor of the colony of New South Wales
Captain Arthur Phillip
In 1815, gold was discovered in the colonies of
New South Wales and Victoria
In ___________, the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia.
1901
In 1901, the population of Australia was counted at
Four million people not counting Indigenous Australians
Today, Australia has a population of about
24 million people, over a quarter of these people born overseas
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of ___ states and ___ mainland territories.
6 states, 2 territories.
Which is Australia’s Capital City?
Canberra
Capital city of New South Wales
Sydney
Capital city of Victoria
Melbourne
Capital city of Queensland
Brisbane
Capital city of Western Australia
Perth
Capital city of South Australia
Adelaide
Capital city of Tasmania
Hobart
Capital city of Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Capital city of Northern Territory
Darwin
It is the smallest of the mainland states
Victoria
It is the second largest state
Queensland
Is is the largest state
Western Australia
It is the smallest overall state
Tasmania
Parliament House and the High Court of Australia are important national institutions situated in
Canberra
The main town near the centre of Australia is
Alice Springs
Australia Day is celebrated on the
26 of January
ANZAC day is celebrated on the
25 of April
Year (1915)
Components of Australian National Flag
Union Jack - British history
The Commonwealth Star - 7 points, 6 for the states, 1 for the territories
The Southern Cross - group of stars seen in the southern sky
What is Australia’s national flower?
Golden Wattle
Australia’s national colours
Gold and green
Australia’s National Anthem
Advance Australia Fair
Australia’s system of government is a
Parliamentary democracy .
Only the parliament has the power to make and change laws that govern the country.
Rule of law means
All Australians equal under the law, no one above it
The Commonwealth of Australian Constitution Act 1900 is the
Legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia
The Australian Constitution was originally passed as part of a
British Act of Parliament in 1900
The Australian Constitution established
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, created with the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Also the High Court.
Referendums needs double majority which means
The majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the nation
Legislative power
Parliament - power to make and change laws
Executive power
Put laws in practice
Australian Government and Governor-general
Judicial power
Interpret and apply law
Courts and judges
Australia’s Head of State
Queen of Australia
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen does not have a day to day role but does appoint the __________ as her representative. On advice from the Australian Prime Minister.
Governor-General, who acts independently of all political parties.
In each state there is a Governor, similar to the Governor-General, that represent the
Queen
Australia’s Head of State is the Queen, who acts in accordance to the constitution. Therefore it is a constitutional ____________.
Monarchy
