Australian citizenship test: Democratic beliefs practice questions

The Rule of Law means nobody is above the law. Change is supposed to come through debate and elections, not through violence.

Question 1

In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?

  1. Citizens voting for people to represent them in parliament
  2. The Governor-General choosing a government with no election
  3. Whichever party has existed for the longest time

Answer: Citizens voting for people to represent them in parliament

Parliamentary democracy means the power of government comes from the people, because citizens vote for representatives, and those representatives answer to the people at elections.

Question 2

How do Australians expect laws and minds to be changed?

  1. By discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
  2. By violence, when a group feels strongly about a cause
  3. By a church ruling that parliament is then bound to follow

Answer: By discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process

Australians believe change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. Violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law is rejected.

Question 3

People in Australia are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect

  1. whatever their background, religion or politics
  2. only when they were born in Australia
  3. only when they belong to the same religion

Answer: whatever their background, religion or politics

Every person has rights and equality under the law, and people are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of background, including race, religion, politics and culture.