New Practice Test 6: Important Part 3 Chapter (Topic) 20 Questions

Classic View of New Practice Test 6 Questions & Answers

Question 1: What was Australia made up of before 1901?

Answer: Prior to 1901, Australia was made up of six different self-governing British colonies. These colonies were 1) New South Wales, 2) Victoria, 3) Queensland, 4) South Australia, 5) Tasmania, and 6) Western Australia. However, each colony had its own constitution. There were also specific laws relating to defence, immigration, postal services, trade, and transportation. These six colonies became six separate states in the Commonwealth of Australia, which was formed in 1901.

Question 2: What were some difficulties between the colonies before 1901?

Answer: Before 1901, each of the six colonies had its own constitution in force. Moreover, they had their own laws relating to defence, immigration, postal services, trade, and transportation. Thus, all the colonies faced many difficulties due to a lack of similarity and coordination in the laws between them, as the six colonies had their own separate laws. For example, trade and transport between colonies were very valuable, but they were also very slow due to these separate laws.

Question 3: What was developing in popular songs, poems, stories, and art before 1901?

Answer: Australian culture flourished in popular songs, poems, stories, and arts that were prominent prior to 1901. Australian culture is primarily of Western origin, influenced by its British, Indigenous, and colonial parts. Early Australian art consisted of Aboriginal rock paintings and inscriptions, while literature initially comprised oral stories passed down through generations. The arrival of European settlers in the 18th century introduced new artistic and literary styles to Australia. Charles Harpur, an Australian poet, is considered Australia's most important nineteenth-century poet.

Question 4: What cultural developments helped shape Australia's national identity?

Answer: Before 1901, the 'national identity of Australia' began to be formed in Australia. Sports, songs and arts etc. played a prominent role in the formation of national identity and contributed immensely to the unity of the colonies. In addition to these 1) the expansion of free and secular education in the 1870s helped to strengthen the concept of belonging to a separate nation. 2) The publication of newspapers and magazines, such as The Bulletin, provided a way to express the ideas of new Australians. 3) The people of Australia shared common language, heritage and blood through social homogeneity.

Question 5: What was the name of the new nation formed in 1901?

Answer: Prior to 1901, Australia was made up of six different self-governing British colonies. These colonies were 1) New South Wales, 2) Victoria, 3) Queensland, 4) South Australia, 5) Tasmania, and 6) Western Australia. In 1901, however, all these colonies united to form the 'Commonwealth of Australia'. It is a federation of states and territories. Of these, six colonies became six states and included two mainland territories. The capital of Australia is Canberra. Each state and mainland territory has its own capital.

Question 6: What was the primary reason for uniting the colonies into a federation?

Answer: The integration of the colonies into a federation made it possible to unite all the colonies into a single nation, reflecting the Australian national identity and cultural traditions. The main purpose of the federation was to unite the colonies as a country with a central government for better coordination and protection. In 1901, these colonies were united to form the 'Commonwealth of Australia'. It became a federation of states and territories. Of these, 6 colonies became 6 states and included 2 mainland territories. The capital of Australia is Canberra.

Question 7: What was a key cultural factor that contributed to the push for federation?

Answer: Sporting teams representing Australia internationally have played a very important role in strengthening national pride and identity while fostering a sense of unity among the separate colonies. The integration of the colonies into a federation made it possible to unify them as a single nation, reflecting the Australian national identity and cultural traditions. The main purpose of the federation was to unite the colonies as a country with a central government for better coordination and protection.

Question 8: What percentage of Australians voted 'Yes' in the 1967 Referendum?

Answer: A referendum was conducted in Australia in 1967 to include Aboriginals in the census. It remains one of the greatest milestones in Australian history because 90.77% of Australians voted 'yes' in this referendum, expressing their support. State-wise, the 'yes' votes were: 1) 91.46% in New South Wales, 2) 94.68% in Victoria, 3) 89.21% in Queensland, 4) 86.26% in South Australia, 5) 90.21% in Tasmania, and 6) 80.95% in Western Australia.

Question 9: What is meant by a 'double majority' in the Australian referendum?

Answer: In order to make changes to the Australian Constitution through a referendum, citizens aged 18 years or older in Australia must participate and vote 'yes' or 'no'. However, it requires a 'double majority' for the referendum to be approved. A double majority means a majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters across the country must vote 'yes' in favour of the change proposal. Only then will the referendum pass, and changes to the Constitution take effect.

Question 10: How many types of majorities are required for a constitutional referendum in Australia?

Answer: Two types of majorities: a majority of voters in a majority of states and a majority of voters nationwide—are needed.

Question 11: Why is a double majority required in the Australian referendum?

Answer: The double majority requirement ensures that changes have widespread support across different regions of Australia.

Question 12: How does the Australian Constitution ensure a balance of power?

Answer: The separation of powers in the Australian Constitution is based on the principle that no single branch should have all the powers. That is, powers are divided between different departments of government so that no single person or group has all kinds of powers. This results in a division of powers to prevent one department from interfering in the powers of another and to achieve balance between the powers of the various departments. Parliament makes laws, the executive branch implements them, and the justice department oversees their implementation.

Question 13: What does the Australian Constitution prevent?

Answer: One of the main purposes of the Australian Constitution is the division of powers between different departments. The separation of powers in the Australian Constitution is based on the principle that no single branch should have all the powers. That is to say, powers are divided between different departments of government so that no single person or group holds all kinds of powers. This results in a division of powers to prevent one department from interfering with the powers of another and to achieve a balance between the powers of various departments.

Question 14: What is an example of the executive branch?

Answer: The executive branch of the Government of Australia consists of the Prime Minister, the ministers of the Government of Australia, and the Governor-General. Ministers are responsible for various government departments. This executive branch is responsible for putting government laws into practice and enforcing them. In addition, it is responsible for the following aspects: 1) maintaining day-to-day administration, 2) proposing laws required by Parliament, and 3) deciding government policy and how to put it into practice.

Question 15: In which branch of the Australian government are judges included?

Answer: The role of the judiciary in Australian government departments is crucial. The judiciary operates independently. Courts and judges are separate from parliament and the government. The Australian Constitution established the High Court as part of an independent judiciary. The High Court is the highest court of appeal in the Australian judicial system, with ultimate authority to interpret the Australian Constitution and apply its laws.

Question 16: Which branches of government are established by the Australian Constitution?

Answer: The Australian Constitution established the legislative, executive, and judicial departments to divide the power of the state. Parliament was constituted as part of the legislative department. It consists of two houses: the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). The executive branch consists of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and the Governor-General. The judiciary is independent, and as part of this, the High Court, the highest court of appeal, was established.

Question 17: What ensures the judiciary's ability to function without interference?

Answer: The Australian Constitution established an independent judicial system, including the High Court, which is the highest court of appeal in Australia. Courts and judges operate independently of interference from parliament and the government. Judges act without political or other forms of pressure or inducement in delivering case judgments, upholding the integrity of the judicial system.

Question 18: Who acts independently of all political parties?

Answer: The Governor-General of Australia acts independently of all political parties. His character is unbiased. This means that he fulfils his responsibilities as per the Constitution by treating all political parties with an equal view without any political bias. Representing the King of Australia, he exercises executive powers. As well as performing various constitutional and customary duties properly.

Question 19: What is the role of the Governor-General?

Answer: The Governor-General of Australia represents the monarchy as the representative of 'His Majesty the King'. According to the Australian Constitution, the King of Australia is assigned executive power, but the Governor-General exercises it as the King's representative. The Governor-General is a crucial figure in the Executive Branch and is responsible for putting into practice and implementing the laws made by Parliament, as well as performing constitutional and ceremonial duties.

Question 20: Who represents the King in each of the Australian states?

Answer: In every Australian state, the governors of that state represent the King of Australia. The role of governors at the state level is equal to that of the Governor-General at the national level. Governors perform constitutional and customary duties at the state level. They also perform similar duties such as upholding constitutional obligations and representing the monarchy.