Australian Civics and Citizenship

How many British colonies were there in Australia before 1901?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Answer explanation

There were 6 colonies of Australia until 1901.

What did the British Parliament do so Australia could federate?

• Passed the Commonwealth of Australia

• Passed the new Australia Policy

• Created six states and 2 territories

• They did nothing as the colonies did it

Answer explanation

The passing of the Constitution enabled Australia’s 6 British colonies to become one nation, the Commonwealth of Australia, on 1 January 1901.

How did the Australian people agree to federation?

• They didn't vote, the politicians made the decision

• Through a series of referendums held in each of the colonies between 1898 and 1900

• The Australian people didn't want to vote

• They didn't agree as they didn't want it

Answer explanation

People had to vote on a referendum (a general vote on a single political question).

What is the Australian Constitution?

• Is the Highest Court in Australia

• Set of laws and principles that govern the operation of the federal government of Australia

• The King when he became the King of the Commonwealth

• Set of laws and principles that govern the local government of Australia

Answer explanation

The Constitution became a legal concept . It is general law for Government that cannot be revoked or changed, except by the people of Australia.

At the time of federation which country did the colonies look to as the ‘mother country’?

•  Great Britain as the 'mother country'

• Germany ' as it had a good political system'

• Norway 'as the Normans knew how to run a country'

• America 'as their system was similar to the British system'

Answer explanation

Great Britain was the 'mother country' of Australia until it's Federation on the 1st January 1901.

On what date did Australia become a nation?

• December 25, 1788

• January 2, 1915

• January 1, 1901

• January 30th, 2000

Answer explanation

1st January 1901 is a very important date in Australian history. This is the date that Australia became a nation.

Give one reason why the colonies decided to federate.

• A desire for a stronger and more unified defence force.

• A desire for an island nation.

• A desire in one state having all the power.

• A desire for the British Government to have all the power.

Which was the last colony to join the federation?

• Queensland (QLD)

• Western Australia (WA)

• Victoria (Vic)

• Tasmania (TAS)

Answer explanation

On 31 July 1900, WA became the final Australian colony to vote for Federation, as it was reluctant to join. WA believed they were economically self-sufficient and didn't need the Eastern colonies for support.

What was the name of Australia’s first Prime Minister?

• Gough Whitlam

• Anthony Albanese

• Julia Gillard

• Sir Edmund Barton

Answer explanation

Sir Edmund Barton was the 1st Australian Prime Minster.

Who is the head-of-state in Australia?

• The Prime Minister

• The Governor-General

• The President

• King Charles III

Answer explanation

When Queen Elizabeth II died. Her son - King Charles III became King of England and of the Commonwealth countries.

He is the head of state as Australia is a Commonwealth Country.