Stage 3 Democracy Semester 2 2014
HSIE democracy test
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What does word actually "democacy" mean?
- A.
The right to vote
- B.
People power
- C.
Freedom
- D.
Anyone can vote
Correct Answer
B. People powerExplanation
The word "democracy" refers to the concept of "people power," where the ultimate authority lies with the citizens of a country. In a democratic system, the people have the power to elect their representatives, participate in decision-making processes, and hold their government accountable. This term encompasses the idea of a government that is by the people, for the people, and of the people. It emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement and participation in shaping the policies and direction of a nation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which party is in Government in Australia?
- A.
The Liberal Party
- B.
The Labor Party
- C.
The Democrats
- D.
The Liberal National Coalition
Correct Answer
D. The Liberal National CoalitionExplanation
The Liberal National Coalition is the correct answer because it is a political alliance formed by the Liberal Party and the National Party in Australia. Together, they have formed the government in Australia. The Liberal National Coalition is a center-right political group that advocates for conservative policies and has been in power in Australia for several terms.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is required for a referendum question to be passed?
- A.
A majority of people in Australia to vote yes
- B.
A majority of people in the States/Territories to vote yes
- C.
A majority of people in Australia and a majority of people in a majority of States/Territories to vote yes
Correct Answer
C. A majority of people in Australia and a majority of people in a majority of States/Territories to vote yesExplanation
For a referendum question to be passed, it is required that a majority of people in Australia and a majority of people in a majority of States/Territories vote yes. This means that not only does the majority of the entire Australian population need to vote in favor of the question, but there also needs to be a majority in most of the individual States/Territories. This ensures that the decision is representative of the overall sentiment of the country as a whole, as well as taking into account the perspectives of different regions within Australia.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Voting is compulsory for
- A.
Australian property owners
- B.
Australian citizens over the age of 21
- C.
Australia citizens 18 years of age and over
Correct Answer
C. Australia citizens 18 years of age and overExplanation
The correct answer is Australia citizens 18 years of age and over. This means that all Australian citizens who are 18 years old or older are required to vote. The question is asking who is obligated to vote, and this answer specifies that it is only applicable to Australian citizens who meet the age requirement.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Federal Parliament is made up of which two houses?
- A.
The House of Representatives and the Senate
- B.
The Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council
- C.
The House of Assembly and the House of Lords
Correct Answer
A. The House of Representatives and the SenateExplanation
The Federal Parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives represents the people and is based on population, with each state and territory having a specific number of representatives. The Senate represents the states and territories equally, with each state having an equal number of senators. Together, these two houses form the legislative branch of the Australian government and are responsible for making and passing laws.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the name given to the mechanism to change the Constitution?
- A.
Plebiscite
- B.
Election
- C.
Referendum
Correct Answer
C. ReferendumExplanation
A referendum is the name given to the mechanism to change the Constitution. A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal to change or adopt a constitution. It allows the citizens to have a say in the decision-making process regarding constitutional changes, ensuring a democratic and inclusive approach. Plebiscite and election are not specifically related to the process of changing the Constitution, making referendum the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What helps to make an election free and fair?
- A.
Voting is secret and each vote has the same value
- B.
Each vote has the same value
- C.
Voting is secret
Correct Answer
A. Voting is secret and each vote has the same valueExplanation
To make an election free and fair, it is important that voting is secret and each vote has the same value. The secrecy of the vote ensures that individuals can freely express their choice without fear of intimidation or reprisal. This promotes a democratic process where citizens feel comfortable exercising their right to vote. Additionally, when each vote has the same value, it ensures that every citizen's voice is equally represented, regardless of their social status or influence. This principle of equality ensures that the election is fair and that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the results.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is an argument in favour of compulsory voting?
- A.
A true democracy should not force people to vote
- B.
People on the electoral roll can be fined if they do not vote
- C.
It is the responsibility of all citizens to participate in the electoral process
Correct Answer
C. It is the responsibility of all citizens to participate in the electoral processExplanation
Compulsory voting can be seen as an argument in favor of ensuring that all citizens fulfill their responsibility to participate in the electoral process. By making voting mandatory, it emphasizes the importance of citizens actively engaging in the democratic process and having a say in the governance of their country. It promotes equal representation and encourages citizens to be informed about political issues, leading to a more informed and engaged electorate.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does ‘one vote – one value’ mean?
- A.
Citizens can vote only once
- B.
Every vote has equal worth
- C.
Voting is an important right
Correct Answer
B. Every vote has equal worthExplanation
"One vote - one value" means that every vote carries the same weight and has equal worth. It implies that each individual's vote is equally important and has the same impact in the decision-making process. This principle ensures that no vote is given more importance or value than another, promoting fairness and equality in the voting system.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Australia is a democracy as every Member of Parliament is elected by the citizens, as a representative of the people to make decisions and laws for the nation
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Australia is considered a democracy because its political system allows citizens to elect Members of Parliament who act as their representatives. These elected officials are responsible for making decisions and creating laws that affect the nation as a whole. This democratic process ensures that the government is accountable to the people and that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Sir Henry Parkes was Australia's first Prime Minister?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Sir Henry Parkes was not Australia's first Prime Minister. He was a prominent Australian politician and known as the "Father of Federation" for his role in advocating for the federation of the Australian colonies. However, he never served as the Prime Minister of Australia. The first Prime Minister of Australia was Edmund Barton, who held the position from 1901 to 1903.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What year did the Australia state join together- Federation?
Correct Answer
1901Explanation
In 1901, the Australian states joined together to form a federation. This marked the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia as a unified nation.Rate this question:
- 13.
In which year did Indigenous Australians get the right to vote?
Correct Answer
1962Explanation
In 1962, Indigenous Australians were granted the right to vote. This marked an important milestone in their fight for equal rights and recognition in Australia. Prior to this, Indigenous Australians were not allowed to vote in federal elections, which was a form of discrimination and exclusion. The granting of voting rights in 1962 was a significant step towards addressing this inequality and acknowledging the importance of Indigenous voices in the democratic process.Rate this question:
- 14.
What is the Australian Voting System called?
- A.
Electorate
- B.
Election
- C.
Preferential
- D.
Representative
Correct Answer
C. PreferentialExplanation
The Australian Voting System is called "Preferential." This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives an absolute majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next preference indicated by the voters. This process continues until a candidate receives an absolute majority of votes. This system ensures that the elected candidate has the support of the majority of voters.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In which electorate is Homebush Public School? (one word)
Correct Answer
reed
reid
Reid
Reed - 16.
How many members are in the House of Representatives? (write the number)
Correct Answer
150Explanation
There are 150 members in the House of Representatives.Rate this question:
- 17.
How many Senators are from each state? (number only)
Correct Answer
2Explanation
Each state has two Senators. This is outlined in the United States Constitution, which states that each state is entitled to have two Senators represent them in the Senate. This ensures that each state, regardless of its size or population, has equal representation in the Senate. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.Rate this question:
- 18.
Which Australian Prime Minister died while we were in Canberra?
- A.
John Howard
- B.
Gough Whitlam
- C.
Paul Keating
- D.
John Gorton
Correct Answer
B. Gough WhitlamExplanation
Gough Whitlam is the correct answer because he was an Australian Prime Minister who died while the questioner was in Canberra.Rate this question:
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