Constitutionalism

Question 1

Constitution

Answer 1

• A nation’s or an organization’s constitution establishes the fundamental rules or principles that govern how it should be run

Question 2

The process for changing the Constitution

Answer 2

• The Australian Constitution can only be altered by referendum
• In a referendum, all Australians of voting age vote yes or no for the proposed changes
• To succeed, a majority of voters nationwide and a majority of States (four out of six) must approve the changes

Question 3

History

Answer 3

• Australia became a fully independent country in 1901 after the British Parliament approved the Commonwealth of Constitution Act
• Despite being established 130 years ago, our Constitution has only been altered 8 times and is responsible for creating the essential underpinnings that ensure we continue to be a democracy