Changing the constitution

What is the first step in changing the Australian constitution?

• The vote

• The writ

• The Bill

• The case

Fill in the blank: Before a referendum is held, members of parliament put together a list of arguments for and ______ the Bill.

• against

• beside

• above

• under

A referendum in the context of the Australian constitution is:

• A process to change the constitution by a public vote

• A type of parliamentary debate

• A law passed by the High Court

• A government budget proposal

For a change to the Australian constitution to be accepted, it must be approved by a majority of voters in a majority of states, and by a majority of voters across the nation.

• True

• False

Match the following stages of holding a referendum with their descriptions:

• A

• A Bill is proposed and passed by parliament.

• B

• Voters attend a polling location to vote 'yes' or 'no' to the proposed changes.

• E

• A formal written order is issued to set the dates for the referendum.

• C

• Case committees prepare and send out statements of the proposed changes.

• D

• Committees are formed to prepare arguments for and against the change.

How many referendums have proposed changes to the Australian constitution since 1901, and how many have been agreed to?

• 44 referendums have been proposed, and 8 have been agreed to.

• 20 referendums have been proposed, and 5 have been agreed to.

• 30 referendums have been proposed, and 10 have been agreed to.

• 50 referendums have been proposed, and 12 have been agreed to.

Which of the following is required for a referendum to pass in Australia?

• A majority of voters in at least four states and a majority nationwide

• Approval from the High Court

• A unanimous vote in parliament

• Support from the Prime Minister only

Who is eligible to vote in an Australian constitutional referendum?

• All Australian citizens aged 18 and over

• Only members of parliament

• Only residents of capital cities

• Only High Court judges

Fill in the blank: After a referendum is held, the results are officially declared by the ______.

• Governor-General

• Chief Justice

• Prime Minister

• Speaker of the House

Which document must be passed by both houses of parliament before a referendum can be held in Australia?

• The Bill proposing the constitutional change

• The Budget Bill

• The Electoral Act

• The High Court Ruling