Responsibilities of citizenship
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 20 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- As a citizen you must: obey the laws of Australia; vote in federal and state/territory elections and referendums; defend Australia should the need arise; serve on a jury if called.
- Voting is a responsibility for citizens aged 18 or over, and is compulsory in federal and state/territory elections and referendums. It may not be compulsory in some local government elections.
- A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution.
- Service in the Defence Force is voluntary, but defending Australia should the need arise is a responsibility.
- A jury is a group of ordinary Australians who listen to the evidence and decide guilty or not guilty. Citizens on the electoral roll can be called.
Our Common Bond, p. 20
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?
- Apply for an Australian passport
- Serve on a jury if called to do so
- Apply for a job in the Defence Force
Show answer
Answer: B. Serve on a jury if called to do so
Responsibilities are: obey the law, vote, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called.
Our Common Bond, p. 20
2. Which Australian citizens can be called to serve on a jury?
- Those who have studied law
- Those on the electoral roll
- Those who own a home or business
Show answer
Answer: B. Those on the electoral roll
Australian citizens who are on the electoral roll can be called to serve on a jury.
Our Common Bond, p. 21
3. From what age is jury service a responsibility for Australian citizens, if they are asked?
- 16 years or over
- 18 years or over
- 30 years or over
Show answer
Answer: B. 18 years or over
Jury service, if requested, is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over.
Our Common Bond, p. 21
Practise all 12 questions on this topic