Head of State & constitutional monarchy
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 26 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- Australia’s Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
- The King appoints the Governor-General as his representative, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The King has no day-to-day role in government.
- Each state has a Governor representing the King.
- Australia is a constitutional monarchy: the King is Head of State but must act according to the Constitution.
- Australia’s system reflects British and North American traditions. The leader of the Australian Government is the Prime Minister.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. Who is Australia’s Head of State?
- The Governor-General, as the King’s representative
- The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III
- The Prime Minister, as leader of the Australian Government
Show answer
Answer: B. The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III
Australia’s Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
2. What role does the King have in Australia’s day-to-day government?
- He chairs the Cabinet meetings in Canberra
- He signs each new law passed by Parliament
- He has no day-to-day role in government
Show answer
Answer: C. He has no day-to-day role in government
The King does not have a day-to-day role in government.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
3. Australia’s system of parliamentary democracy reflects which traditions?
- French and South American traditions
- Ancient Greek and Roman traditions
- British and North American traditions
Show answer
Answer: C. British and North American traditions
It reflects British and North American traditions combined in a way that is uniquely Australian.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
Practise all 8 questions on this topic