Civics

Question 1

What is an absolute majority?

Answer 1

50% + 1 of the votes cast.

Question 2

What is a double majority?

Answer 2

4 out of 6 states and also majority of the whole Australian population both vote yes

Question 3

What is the Constitution?

Answer 3

A document that states how our government will be set out and how it will run.

Question 4

When did the Constitution come into effect?

Answer 4

January 01 1901 was when the Queen signed it

Question 5

Who is the current Governor General and what does he do?

Answer 5

Peter Cosgrove

He represents the Queen (signs bills, attends ceremonies and is also the commander in chief of the defence force)

Question 6

What is federation?

Answer 6

Federation is when 6 British colonies joined together and became the states of Australia

Question 7

What year did the territories join our Commonwealth?

Answer 7

1911

Question 8

In what section of the constitution does it state how to change the constitution?

Answer 8

Section 128

Question 9

What is the difference between a plebiscite and a referendum?

Answer 9

A referendum, if agreed to, will change the constitution. A plebiscite will just ask for public opinion.

Question 10

Who is the current prime minister and what does he do?

Answer 10

Malcolm Turnbull

Some of his jobs include, appointing ministers and advising the Governor General

Question 11

What does the usher of the black rod do?

Answer 11

The usher of the black rod is a parliamentary officer in the Senate. The usher of the black rod escorts the president in and out of the chamber and records attendance of the senators

Question 12

How many senators are there and what do they represent?

Answer 12

There a 76 senators. 12 senators represents each of the states and 2 senators represent each territory.

Question 13

Why is Australia called a bicameral parliament?

Answer 13

Australia is called a bicameral parliament because it has two Houses which are called the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Question 14

What colour is the Senate?

Answer 14

Red

Question 15

What is our system of government called and why?

Answer 15

Westminster government because it is the British and USA government combined

Question 16

What is a republic?

Answer 16

A republic is a country that doesn’t have the Queen as head of state but has a president as their head of state.

Question 17

What are the three steps of a referendum?

Answer 17

1. The two houses must vote.
2. The public votes.
3. The Governor General gives royal assent.

Question 18

What colour is the House of Reps?

Answer 18

Green

Question 19

Who is Bill shorten?

Answer 19

He is the current leader of the opposition

Question 20

What is the most important role of the House of Representatives ?

Answer 20

To make up the government after an election

Question 21

Who is Shane Van Styn?

Answer 21

He is the mayor of geraldton

Question 22

What are some of the things that local council is in charge of?

Answer 22

• parks
• playgrounds
• libraries
• footpaths

Question 23

How many members are in the House of Representatives and what do they represent?

Answer 23

150 members representing each of the 150 electorates

Question 24

What is another name for House of Representatives?

Answer 24

Peoples House or lower house

Question 25

What is another name for Senate?

Answer 25

Upper house

Question 26

What origin does the word referendum come from?

Answer 26

Latin

Question 27

Why do we have the division of powers?

Answer 27

Australia would be hard to run for the federal parliament and the states didn't want to completely lose all power

Question 28

What is the lower state house?

Answer 28

Legislative assembly

Question 29

What is the only state that doesn't have 2 houses?

Answer 29

Queensland

Question 30

What is the upper state house?

Answer 30

Legislative council

Question 31

Who is in the parliament and what does it do?

Answer 31

The Parliament makes and amends the law. It consists of the two houses and the queen (represented by the Governor General)

Question 32

What does executive do and who is in it?

Answer 32

Prime minister, ministers And the queen represented by the Governor General. The executive puts laws into action

Question 33

Who is in the judiciary and what does it do?

Answer 33

The judiciary makes judgements about the law and it consists of the high court and other federal courts

Question 34

Why do we have separation of powers and do the jobs overlap?

Answer 34

We have separation of powers to make sure no one abuses their power and everyone is even and the jobs do overlap.

Question 35

What are some of the things that federal government is in charge of?

Answer 35

Tax, currency and defence

Question 36

What are some of the things that state government is in charge of?

Answer 36

Education, hospitals and main roads

Question 37

Who is the sergeant at arms?

Answer 37

A security guard in the House of Representatives and also the person who keeps order in the chamber

Question 38

Who is the current premier and what are his/her roles?

Answer 38

Mark McGowan is the current premier. He leads the state government of WA. He has to select cabinet ministers and he decides in the size of the cabinet.

Question 39

Around how many voters are in an electorate on average?

Answer 39

100 000