Federation Flashcards
When did Australia Federate?
Australia’s Federation occured on the 1 January 1901.
What was the Tenterfield Oration.
The Tenterfield Oration was a speech given by Henry Parkes to support and promote the idea of Federation. Henry Parkes wanted Australia to become a united nation rather than stay as separate colonies.
Why was the Tenterfield Oration significant in Australia’s federation story?
It was the first time a direct appeal had been made to the public to support federation. The Tenterfield Oration promoted the idea of federation. It was also significant because the meeting included women and children - this showed the idea and message of federation was for all Australians.
What was the Corowa Conference?
The Cowora Conference was a meeting held in Corowa, NSW near the Murray River, to discuss the possible advantages of federation.
Why was the Corowa Conference significant?
It was considered to be a breakthrough to achieving federation. It provided 3 steps to follow, suggested by John Quick, to achieve federation in Australia.
What were the 3 steps suggested by John Quick at the Corowa Convention to achieve federation?
- A representative from each colony would attend a national conference to discuss federation.
- To hold a convention to draft a constitution for Australia.
- To put the constitution to a people’s vote at a referendum.
What is a convention?
A convention is a large meeting or conference to discuss certain ideas.
What is a referendum?
A general vote by the people to decide on a particular question or matter. Referendums achieve a direct decision because they ask the voter to choose ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
What is a constitution?
A constitution is a set of rules by which a country or state is run. It is a rule book for all the participants within our democracy. It can only be changed by Australians voting at a referendum.
Which countries influenced and contributed to the ideas in Australia’s constitution?
The Australian Constitution is influenced by both the American and Canadian Constitutions. Australia was able to take the best and most effective aspects from these systems to create our Constitution. Britain influenced our Constitution but doesn’t actually have a written constitution of its own.
Who helped write the Australian Constitution?
Andrew Inglis Clark (TAS) was an influential federationist and co-author of Australia’s Constitution. Sir Samuel Griffith (QLD) also wrote a draft of the Constitution.
What is a federationist?
A person who is FOR the idea of federation.
Who is Edmund Barton?
Edmund Barton is Australia’s first Prime Minister. He strongly promoted the idea of federation and led the way to Australia becoming a nation.
Why is a constitution important? Provide 3 main ideas.
- It controls the government because it provides a master plan for governing the nation.
- It protects the human rights of the citizens of that nation - these rights cannot be taken away by the Government.
- The Constitution defines a country’s identity - the rules and laws are what you can expect the country and its citizens to follow.
Who was Alfred Deakin?
Alfred Deakin was the second Prime Minister of Australia. He led the Federation movement in Victoria and was a gifted speaker.
