Australian Government & Prime Ministers

1. How many levels of government does Australia have?

3

6

1

There are 3 levels of government in Australia – federal, state or territory and local.

Explanation

There are 3 levels of government in Australia – federal, state or territory and local.

2. Who represents the monarch in the federal government?

President

Cabinet Minister

Governor General

A governor general represents the monarch in the federal government. The governor general usually acts on the prime minister’s advice. However, the governor general can act without the advice of the prime minister in times of political uncertainty.

Explanation

A governor general represents the monarch in the federal government. The governor general usually acts on the prime minister’s advice. However, the governor general can act without the advice of the prime minister in times of political uncertainty.

3. At the federal level, the House of Representatives is called the "lower house". What is the "upper house" called?

Legislative Assembly

The Senate

Legislative Council

The Senate is the upper house. In principle, the Senate was intended to represent the states. Within each state, each party gets a number of seats proportional to its share of the total votes cast in the election.

Explanation

The Senate is the upper house. In principle, the Senate was intended to represent the states. Within each state, each party gets a number of seats proportional to its share of the total votes cast in the election.

4. Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?

Sir Henry Parkes

Sir Edmund Barton

Alfred Deakin

Sir Edmund Barton (1849-1920), was the first Prime Minister of Australia. He held the office from 1901 to 1903.

Explanation

Sir Edmund Barton (1849-1920), was the first Prime Minister of Australia. He held the office from 1901 to 1903.

5. Who is known as Australia's "Father of Federation"?

Sir Edmund Barton

Sir Henry Parkes

Henry Lawson

Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896), was a British-born politician and writer who became known as Australia’s “Father of Federation.”

Explanation

Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896), was a British-born politician and writer who became known as Australia’s “Father of Federation.”

6. Which Prime Minister was removed from office by the Governor General in November 1975?

Gough Whitlam

Bob Hawke

Malcolm Fraser

In November 1975, Sir John Kerr, the Governor General, removed Gough Whitlam from office.

Explanation

In November 1975, Sir John Kerr, the Governor General, removed Gough Whitlam from office.

7. Who is the longest serving Prime Minister?

John Howard

Sir Robert Menzies

William (Billy) Hughes

Sir Robert Menzies served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. He served for more than 18 years—longer than any other Prime Minister in Australian history.

Explanation

Sir Robert Menzies served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. He served for more than 18 years—longer than any other Prime Minister in Australian history.

8. How many Prime Ministers have there been in Australia since Federation in 1901?

27

33

30

Australia has had 30 Prime Ministers since Federation in 1901. Scott Morrison is Australia's 30th Prime Minister.

Explanation

Australia has had 30 Prime Ministers since Federation in 1901. Scott Morrison is Australia's 30th Prime Minister.

9. Which Prime Minister served the shortest term?

Francis Forde

Arthur Fadden

John McEwen

Francis Forde served only eight days in July 1945 as Prime Minister.

Explanation

Francis Forde served only eight days in July 1945 as Prime Minister.

10. How many times was Alfred Deakin Prime Minister?

1

2

3

Alfred Deakin served as Prime Minister of Australia 3 times—from September 1903 to April 1904, from July 1905 to November 1908, and from June 1909 to April 1910.

Explanation

Alfred Deakin served as Prime Minister of Australia 3 times—from September 1903 to April 1904, from July 1905 to November 1908, and from June 1909 to April 1910.