Our democratic beliefs
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 18 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- Parliamentary democracy: the power of government comes from the people, because citizens vote for representatives, who must answer to the people through elections.
- The Rule of Law: all Australians are equal under the law; no person, group or religious rule is above the law — including government, community and religious leaders, business people and police.
- Living peacefully: change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Australians reject violence to change a person’s mind or the law.
- Respect for all individuals regardless of background — race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion.
Our Common Bond, p. 18
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What is Australia’s system of government?
- An absolute monarchy
- A federal presidential republic
- A parliamentary democracy
Show answer
Answer: C. A parliamentary democracy
Australia’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy.
Our Common Bond, p. 18
2. How do Australians believe change should occur?
- Through force or threats when peaceful methods have failed
- Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
- Through decisions made by a small group of powerful leaders
Show answer
Answer: B. Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
Australians believe change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. We reject violence.
Our Common Bond, p. 18
3. At the citizenship ceremony, what do you pledge about Australia’s rights and liberties?
- To change them
- To respect them
- To ignore any you disagree with
Show answer
Answer: B. To respect them
At the citizenship ceremony, you pledge that you will share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties.
Our Common Bond, p. 18
Practise all 10 questions on this topic