Constitutions and Referendums

What is a constitution?

• A document outlining everyday laws that people must follow

• A prime minister's job description

• A public vote to change a law

• A contract / set of principles for how to govern a country

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

• A constitution can be freely altered by the prime minister

• A constitution describes the role and powers of the government

• A constitution provides a standard against which to measure good and bad laws

• A constitution protects people's rights

On what date did Australia's Constitution come into effect?

• 26 January 1788

• 9 May 1988

• 1 January 1901

• 11 November 1975

True or False: The Australian Constitution is the most important legal document in the whole country.

• True

• False

Fill in the blank: Australia's Constitution was the _________ to be voted in by ordinary people.

• 1st

• 2nd

• 3rd

• 10th

The Australian Constitution has been described as the . . .

• "Nation's Democratic Code"

• "Birth Certificate of the Nation"

• "Prime Minister's Code of Conduct"

• "Declaration of Rights"

What is a referendum in Australia?

• A high-level meeting by government officials to alter the constitution

• A review of the constitution held every 10 years

• An official letter from the prime minister sent to voters

• A vote used to approve a change to the constitution

A referendum in Australia is only successful when it is . . .

• Agreed to by ALL voters

• Agreed to by a majority of voters

• Agreed to by a majority of states

• Agreed to by a majority of voters AND a majority of states

What percentage of Australians voted YES in the 1967 Referendum?

• 90

• 75

• 80

• 99

How many times has the Australian Constitution been amended?

• 12

• 8

• 15

• 4