Citizenship Test Flashcards
European settlement started when the first __ convict ships, which became known as the ‘First Fleet’, arrived from Great Britain on __________.
11
26 January 1788
The first Governor of the colony of New South Wales was ____________.
Captain Arthur Phillip
Early free settlers came from __________ and _________ . This heritage has had a major influence on
Australia’s recent history, culture and politics
Great Britain and Ireland
In _____, a ‘gold rush’ began when gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria.
________ people arriving at this time were the first large group of migrants not from Europe. In 10 years, Australia’s population more than doubled.
1851, Chinese
In _____, the separate colonies were united into a
federation of states called the ________________.
1901, Commonwealth of
Australia
In what year were our national democratic institutions, including our national parliament, government and the High Court established under the new Australian Constitution?
1901
What was Australia’s population in 1901? Were ATSI included in this number?
4 million, no
After a Referendum in what year were ATSI included
official estimates of the Australian population?
1967
A wave of non-British migration came after
__________, when millions of people in Europe
had to leave their homelands. Large numbers of
Europeans came to Australia to build a new life.
World War II
How many states and territories?
There are six states and two mainland
territories
Facts about Victoria - size of state?
when were lots of buildings built?
name three icons?
Smallest mainland state
Buildings built from wealth of goldrush in 1850s
Icons melbourne cricket ground, 12 apostles, royal exhibition building
Facts about QLD: size of state
The Torres Strait Islands lie to the _____ of the state
3 types of climate
Second largest state
North
tropical, temperate and dry
Western Australia facts - size of state
geography
3 icons
Largest state
The east of the state is mostly desert, while the south-west is a rich agricultural and wine-growing area.
Icons include the Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River, and the Kimberley region
SA icons (2)
Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges
Tasmania Facts - size of state
Separated from the mainland by the __________
3 icons
Smallest state
Bass Strait
Tasmanian icons include Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, and the Bay of Fires
Welcome to country
A cultural practice performed by an ATSI custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land , to ensure visitors had a safe and protected journey - song, dance, smoking ceremonies, speeches
Acknowledgement of Country
An opportunity to recognize the gathering is on an ATSI land, pay respect to traditional custodians, elders past and present, pay respect to ATSI peoples in attendance , anyone can deliver
Australia Day
January 26th, anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788.
Anzac Day
25 April, named after the Australian New Zealand Army Corps, landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during WW I on 25 April, 1915, solemn day remembering sacrifice of servicemn and women
Australian Flag symbols
Union Jack - flag of United Kingdom top left, history of British settlement
Commonwealth Star under Union Jack, seven points for territories and states
Southern Cross - group of stars in southern sky
Australian Aboriginal Flag
Top black half represents ATSI
Red bottom half represents the earth
Yellow circle represents the sun
Torres Strait Islander Flag
Green stripes top and bottom represent land
blue panel in middle - sea
black lines - Torres Strait Islander people
White dancers headdress - all Torres Strait Islanders
White star - the points represent the island groups in the Torres Strait
Colour white symbolizes peace
Commonwealth Coat of Arms
Official symbol, represents national unity, identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth
Shield in the centre represents the six states and federation
Kangaroo and emu support the shield on each side
Gold Commonwealth Star sits above shield (7)
Background is golden wattle, national flower
Australia’s National Flower
Golden Wattle, small tree grows mainly in South-eastern Australia, bright green leaves and many golden yellow flowers in spring
Australias national colours
green and gold
National gemstone
Opal, legend a rainbow touched the earth and created the colours of the opal
National Anthem - first half
"Advance Australia Fair" - Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
National Anthem second half
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
4 Democratic Beliefs
Parliamentary Democracy
The rule of law
Living peacefully
Respect for all individuals regardless of background
The Rule of Law
All Australians are equal under the law. The Rule of Law means that no person, group or religious rule is above the
law. Everyone, including people who hold positions of power in the Australian community, must obey Australia’s
laws. This includes government, community and religious leaders, as well as business people and the police
Living Peacefully
Australians believe that
change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion, and the democratic process
3 Freedoms
Freedom of speech and expression
Freedom of association
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech
people can criticise the government,
protest peacefully against government decisions
and campaign to change laws, so long as at all
times they are still obeying Australian laws
Freedom of Association
Freedom of association is the right to form and join
associations to pursue common goals. For example,
in Australia people are free to join any legal
organisation, such as a political party, trade union,
religious, cultural or social group
Freedom of Religion - what is Australia’s heritage? 3 public holidays
Australia has a Judaeo-Christian heritage. Australia has public holidays on Christian days such
as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Where there is a conflict between an Australian law
and a religious practice, Australian law prevails.
Australian Equalities
Gender Equality
Equality of opportunity and a “fair go”
Australian Citizenship Responsibilities (4)
As an Australian citizen you must: • obey the laws of Australia • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum • defend Australia should the need arise • serve on a jury if called to do so.
Australian Privileges (6)
As an Australian citizen you can:
• vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
• apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
• apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
• seek election to parliament
• apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
• ask for consular assistance from an Australian offcial while overseas
Australian Electoral Commission
Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums, and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll. The AEC is independent of the government. Political parties or people in government cannot influence the decisions of the AEC.
Establishment of Australian Government, and date of Federation
Before 1901, Australia made up of 6 separate self governing British colonies, each with its own constitution and laws. Colonies united on 1 January 1901 into federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia
Australian Constitution date established
The Commonwealth Of Australia Constitution Act 1900 legal document basic rules for government. Originally passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900. Constitution came into effect Jan 1 1901.
What came into effect with the Constitution.
The Australian Constitution established the
Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia,
consisting of a House of Representatives and
a Senate. The Constitution also established
the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate
power to apply and interpret the laws
of Australia.
1967 Referendum
1967 Referendum where more than 90 per cent of
Australians voted ‘Yes’ to allow Aboriginal peoples to
be counted in the Census, needs to be a double majority
3 Divisions of Constitutional Power
The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between the legislative (Parliament, elected members who make and change laws), executive puts laws into practice (Prime Minister, the Cabinet, government ministers, Governor-General ) and judicial powers (judges who interpret and apply the law), to stop one person, or one group, from holding all the power.
Australia’s Head of State
Queen of Australia - her majesty queen elizabeth II
Appoints the Governor-General as her representative in Australia on advice from the Prime Minister, acts independently, in each states there is a governor who represents the queen
The role of Governor-General
The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.
The Governor-General’s role includes:
• signing all Bills passed by the Australian Parliament into law (this is called Royal Assent)
• performing ceremonial duties
• approving the appointment of the Australian Government and its ministers, federal judges and other offcials
• starting the process for a federal election
• acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
The Governor-General also has special powers known as ‘reserve powers’ that can only be used in specifc
circumstances
Governor
the representative of the head of state in each Australian state
Premier
the leader of a state government
Chief minister
leader of a territory government
government minister
a MP chosen by a government leader to be responsible for an area of government
member of parliament
elected representative in the australian parliament or state parliament
senator
elected representative of a state or territory in the Australian Parliament
Mayor or Shire President
leader of local government
counsillor
elected member of local council
The government is made up of members of the Australian Parliament which has two houses:
House of Representatives
the Senate
House of Representatives
Elected in federal election, also called the Lower House or People’s House. Made up of Member’s of Parliament elected in their electorate, overall over 150 MPs, based on population per state/territory. Role is to consider, debate and vote on proposals for new laws or changes to laws.
The Senate
aka the Upper House, House of Review, State’s House. Elected senators represent each state in Senate. All states are equally represented regardless of population. 76 senators. Each state elects 12. ACT and NT elect 2.
State government roles
Has its own parliament and constitution. Leader is the Premier. A governor represents the queen.
Territory government roles
Chief Minister is leader, in the NT an Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General (similar to state governor)
Difference between State and Territory
States have rights recognized by the constitution while territories do not. States have the power to pass laws in their own right while self-governing territory laws can be altered or revoked by Australian Government at any time.
Responsibilities of Australian Government
taxation, national economy, immigration, employment assistance, postal service communication network, social security, defence, trade commerce, airports, foreign affairs
Responsibilities of State and Territory Government
hospitals and health, schools, roads railways, forestry, police ambulance, public transport
Responsibilites of Local Governments
street sign, traffic control, roads, drains, parks, swimming pools, sports grounds, camping, food meat inspection, noise animal control, rubbish collection, libraries halls, certain child care aged care issues, building permits, social planning, local environmental issues
Main political parties in Australia
Liberal Party of Australia, Australian Labor Party, the Nationals, the Australian Greens
Appointment of Ministers
Prime Minister chooses from elected MPs or senators and the Governor-General approves the choices
The Cabinet
The key decision making body of government, made up by ministers with the most important portfolios.
How a Law is Made
an MP proposes a bill, the house of representatives and senate debate and vote, if majority in each house agree, it goes to governor general, if signed becomes law (“the royal assent”)
Four levels of enforcement of law - how laws are enfored
the courts; judges and magistrates, juries, the police
The courts - dependence, decide two things, how they base their decision
Are independent, decide if a person has broken a law and their penalty, can only decide based on evidence before them
Judges and magistrates - level of authority, dependence, relationship to the government
Highest authority in court, independent make their own decisions, appointed by the government but cannot have their jobs taken away if gov’t disagrees with decision
The police - dependence, their job
Independent of the government, job to protect life and property
Australia’s national police force - name and what they do
Australian Federal Police (AFP) - investigates crimes against federal laws - ie drug trafficking, national security, crimes against the environment, and general police work in the ACT
Australian values are based on what four things
freedom, respect, fairness and equality
8 Australian Values
- Commitment to the Rule of Law
- Parliamentary Democracy
- Freedom of Speech
- Freedom of Association
- Freedom of Religion
- Equality of all people under the law
- Equality of opportunity and a fair go
- Mutual respect and tolerance for others
5 Community Values
- Making a contribution
- Compassion for those in need
- English as the national language
- Helping to keep our society safe
- Loyalty to Australia
ATSI make up what percent of population
3%
Racism can be reported to who
Australian Human Rights Commission
Commission
group of people with an official responsibility
Constitution
supreme law of Australia by which the government must abide - sets out legislative, executive and judicial powers
executive power =
the power and authority to administer the laws, one of the 3 powers under the constitution (held by government ministers and governor-general)
Where did the first fleet land
Sydney Cove
judicial power
the power and authority to interpret and apply the laws, one of the three powers under the constitution (power held by the courts)
legislative power
power and authority to make and change the laws (held by parliament)
three types of power
executive, judicial, legislative
magistrate
judge of a lower court
secular definition
separate from religion
