The Governor-General
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 27 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.
- Role: signs Bills into law (Royal Assent); ceremonial duties; approves appointment of the government, ministers, federal judges and officials; starts the process for a federal election; Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
- Has special ‘reserve powers’ used only in specific circumstances.
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 is ‘Royal Assent’?
- The Governor-General signing a Bill passed by Parliament into law
- The Prime Minister signing a Bill passed by Parliament into law
- The Governor-General approving the choice of a new Prime Minister
Show answer
Answer: A. The Governor-General signing a Bill passed by Parliament into law
The Governor-General signs all Bills passed by Parliament into law — this is called Royal Assent.
Our Common Bond, p. 27
2. What are the Governor-General’s special powers called?
- Ministerial powers
- Reserve powers
- Judicial powers
Show answer
Answer: B. Reserve powers
The Governor-General has special powers known as ‘reserve powers’ that can only be used in specific circumstances.
Our Common Bond, p. 27
3. Which of these is part of the Governor-General’s role?
- Performing ceremonial duties
- Leading the Australian Government
- Collecting the nation’s taxes
Show answer
Answer: A. Performing ceremonial duties
The Governor-General’s role includes performing ceremonial duties. The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral.
Our Common Bond, p. 27
Practise all 8 questions on this topic