Australian citizenship test: Parliament and making laws practice questions

Government is formed in the House of Representatives. The Senate has 12 senators from each state and 2 from the ACT and 2 from the Northern Territory, 76 in all.

Question 1

After a federal election, who generally forms the Australian Government?

  1. The party with the most senators, even if it is behind in the House
  2. The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives
  3. The independents, whatever the numbers for the parties

Answer: The party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives

The government is generally formed by the party or coalition with a majority of members in the House of Representatives, and its leader becomes Prime Minister. The next largest group there forms the Opposition.

Question 2

Why are there 76 senators?

  1. Each state elects a number that matches its population
  2. Each state elects 12, and the ACT and the Northern Territory elect 2 each
  3. Each House of Representatives electorate elects one senator

Answer: Each state elects 12, and the ACT and the Northern Territory elect 2 each

Twelve senators from each of six states is 72, and two each from the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory makes 76. Senate numbers do not follow population. Population is what sets the number of members in the House.

Question 3

A proposal for a new law is called a Bill. When does it become law?

  1. When the Prime Minister signs it, with no vote in either House
  2. When both Houses agree and the Governor-General gives Royal Assent
  3. When a referendum passes, which is the path for every Bill

Answer: When both Houses agree and the Governor-General gives Royal Assent

If a majority in the House of Representatives and a majority in the Senate agree to a Bill, it goes to the Governor-General for Royal Assent. A referendum is for changing the Constitution, not for an ordinary Bill.