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Question 1 · Multiple choice
Why is voting compulsory in Australia, according to Our Common Bond? A It shows the importance of taking part in elections B It is a way for the government to raise money from fines C It allows only some citizens to have a say D It replaces the need for parliament
Show answer Correct answer: A — It shows the importance of taking part in elections
Why? Voting is compulsory in Australia, which shows the importance of participating in elections. Source
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Question 2 · Multiple choice
Why does Australia have compulsory voting? A To raise money from fines B To reduce the number of political parties that take part in elections C To let the government choose the winner D To make sure the people have a say in who governs and represents them
Show answer Correct answer: D — To make sure the people have a say in who governs and represents them
Why? Compulsory voting makes sure the people have a say in who will govern and represent them in parliament. Source
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Question 3 · Multiple choice
How many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages does Our Common Bond mention? A More than 100 B Exactly 6 C About 12, one for each region of the country D Only 1
Show answer Correct answer: A — More than 100
Why? Our Common Bond says other languages are also valued, including more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Source
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Question 4 · Multiple choice
Who must obey Australia's laws? A Everyone except members of parliament B Everyone, including leaders and the police C Only Australian citizens D Only people who have lived in Australia for more than four years
Show answer Correct answer: B — Everyone, including leaders and the police
Why? Everyone, including people in positions of power such as government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police, must obey the law. Source
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Question 5 · Multiple choice
How can Australian citizens raise their concerns about government policy? A By writing to the King directly B By contacting their elected representative C By refusing to pay tax until the policy is changed D Only by joining the public service
Show answer Correct answer: B — By contacting their elected representative
Why? Citizens can contact their elected representative to raise concerns about government policy, who should consider what is suggested. Source
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Question 6 · Multiple choice
In Australia, our laws are determined by: A Religious leaders B The largest companies and business groups C The police D Parliaments elected by the people
Show answer Correct answer: D — Parliaments elected by the people
Why? In a parliamentary democracy, laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people. Source
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Question 7 · Multiple choice
When did the First Fleet arrive from Great Britain? A 1 January 1901 B 25 April 1915 C 26 January 1851 D 26 January 1788
Show answer Correct answer: D — 26 January 1788
Why? The First Fleet of 11 convict ships arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788, the start of European settlement. Source
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Question 8 · Multiple choice
Before 1901, how was Australia organised? A As six separate, self-governing British colonies B As one united nation with eight states and territories C As a colony of France D As a single territory ruled from Sydney
Show answer Correct answer: A — As six separate, self-governing British colonies
Why? Before 1901, Australia was made up of six separate, self-governing British colonies. Source
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Question 9 · Multiple choice
How many ships made up the First Fleet? A 11 B 3 C 26 D 100
Show answer Correct answer: A — 11
Why? The First Fleet was a group of 11 ships carrying convicts from Great Britain to New South Wales. Source
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Question 10 · Multiple choice
Which of these is acceptable under freedom of speech in Australia? A Peacefully protesting against a government decision B Encouraging violence against a religious group you disagree with C Making false allegations about a person D Encouraging people to break the law
Show answer Correct answer: A — Peacefully protesting against a government decision
Why? Peaceful protest is an essential part of democracy. Promoting violence, making false allegations or encouraging law-breaking is not acceptable. Source
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Question 11 · Multiple choice
How do Australians believe change should happen in society? A Through violence if people feel strongly B Through the army taking control C Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process D Only through decisions made by religious and community leaders
Show answer Correct answer: C — Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process
Why? Australians believe change should occur through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process, and reject violence. Source
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Question 12 · Multiple choice
Which problem between the colonies helped lead to Federation? A Trade and transport between the colonies was expensive and slow B The colonies all shared one army that had grown far too large and costly C The colonies had no laws of their own D The colonies were ruled by different kings
Show answer Correct answer: A — Trade and transport between the colonies was expensive and slow
Why? Trade and transport between colonies was expensive and slow, enforcing the law across borders was hard, and defence was weak. Source
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Question 13 · Multiple choice
Why did the British Government decide to send convicts to Australia? A Convicts had asked to be sent somewhere with a warmer climate B Gold had already been found in New South Wales C Australia was already an independent nation D British jails could not hold all the people imprisoned for crimes
Show answer Correct answer: D — British jails could not hold all the people imprisoned for crimes
Why? British laws were harsh and the jails could not hold the large number of prisoners, so convicts were transported to the new colony of New South Wales. Source
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Question 14 · Multiple choice
Which developments showed a growing Australian national identity before Federation? A A national parliament in Canberra B A single Australian army that fought together in a major overseas war C The first national referendum D Australian sporting teams and a growing culture in songs, poems and art
Show answer Correct answer: D — Australian sporting teams and a growing culture in songs, poems and art
Why? Sporting teams were representing Australia internationally and an Australian culture was developing in songs, poems, stories and art. Source
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Question 15 · Multiple choice
Is it acceptable in Australia to promote violence against a group because of their culture or religion? A Yes, it is protected under freedom of speech B Never; it is against Australian values and the law C Yes, if done online D Only in private
Show answer Correct answer: B — Never; it is against Australian values and the law
Why? It is never acceptable to promote violence against a person or group; it is against Australian values and law. Source
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Question 16 · Multiple choice
What do Australians reject as a way to change a person's mind or the law? A Peaceful protest B Writing to a member of parliament C Voting in an election D Violence
Show answer Correct answer: D — Violence
Why? Australians reject violence as a way to change a person's mind or the law. Source
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Question 17 · Multiple choice
Who was the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales? A Captain James Cook B Sir Henry Parkes C Captain Arthur Phillip D Governor Lachlan Macquarie
Show answer Correct answer: C — Captain Arthur Phillip
Why? Captain Arthur Phillip was the first Governor of New South Wales and led the First Fleet. Source
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Question 18 · Multiple choice
On what date were the colonies united into the Commonwealth of Australia? A 26 January 1788 B 25 April 1915 C 1 January 1901 D 1 January 1851
Show answer Correct answer: C — 1 January 1901
Why? On 1 January 1901 the colonies were united into a federation of states called the Commonwealth of Australia. Source
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Question 19 · Multiple choice
Which media share the same freedom of speech as individuals in Australia? A Only government-owned media B Only newspapers approved by the Prime Minister C Newspapers, television and radio outlets D No media; only individuals have it
Show answer Correct answer: C — Newspapers, television and radio outlets
Why? Our Common Bond says newspapers, television and radio outlets have the same freedom. Source
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Question 20 · Multiple choice
What was the name of the first British colony in Australia? A Victoria B New South Wales C Van Diemen's Land D South Australia
Show answer Correct answer: B — New South Wales
Why? The convicts were sent to the new colony of New South Wales, the first colony established by the British. Source
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