The Australian Parliament
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 27 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- The Australian Government is also called the Federal or Commonwealth Government. Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- House of Representatives = the Lower House or People’s House. Australia is divided into electorates; MPs represent them. Seats per state are based on population; over 150 members.
- Senate = the Upper House, House of Review or States’ House. States are equally represented: 76 senators — 12 per state and 2 each for the ACT and NT.
- Both Houses consider, debate and vote on proposed laws and discuss matters of national importance.
Our Common Bond, p. 27
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What are other names for the Australian Government?
- The Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government
- The State Government or the Territory Government
- The Royal Government or the Imperial Government
Show answer
Answer: A. The Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government
The Australian Government is also called the Federal Government or the Commonwealth Government.
Our Common Bond, p. 27
2. How many senators does each state elect?
- 8
- 12
- 10
Show answer
Answer: B. 12
Each state elects 12 senators.
Our Common Bond, p. 28
3. What do senators do?
- Appoint federal judges and decide the penalties for serious crimes
- Run local councils and manage services such as rubbish collection and parks
- Consider, debate and vote on new laws, and discuss matters of national importance
Show answer
Answer: C. Consider, debate and vote on new laws, and discuss matters of national importance
Senators consider, debate and vote on new laws or changes to the laws, and discuss matters of national importance.
Our Common Bond, p. 28
Practise all 14 questions on this topic