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165 questions · Government and the law in Australia

Government and the law practice questions

This part covers how Australia is governed: the Australian Constitution, the three levels of government, the separation of powers, the role of the King and Governor-General, and how laws are made and enforced by parliaments, police and courts.

What this topic covers

  • The Australian Constitution and how it can be changed
  • Federal, state and territory, and local government
  • The separation of powers: legislative, executive and judicial
  • The King, the Governor-General and constitutional monarchy
  • Parliament, elections, political parties and how laws are made
  • Courts, police and the legal system
Study notes: Government and the law in Australia

Sample questions with answers

  1. 1.Who is the head of state in Australia?

    • AThe Governor-General
    • BThe King
    • CThe Prime Minister
    • DThe President
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The King

    Australia’s Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. He is represented in Australia by the Governor-General.

  2. 2.What is the role of local government?

    • ATo make national laws about defence, trade and foreign affairs
    • BTo run hospitals, schools, police and public transport services
    • CTo provide local services like roads, parks and rubbish collection
    • DTo manage immigration, citizenship, taxation and social security
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To provide local services like roads, parks and rubbish collection

    Local councils are responsible for planning and delivering services to their local community, such as local roads, parks, rubbish collection and local libraries.

  3. 3.What is the role of the Governor-General?

    • ATo make all laws
    • BTo choose Australia’s Head of State
    • CTo lead the government
    • DTo represent the King in Australia
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    Answer: D. To represent the King in Australia

    The Governor-General is appointed by the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, as his representative in Australia. The Prime Minister, not the Governor-General, leads the government.

  4. 4.What are the three levels of government in Australia?

    • ACommonwealth, Provincial, and Municipal
    • BFederal, State, and Local
    • CNational, Regional, and Town
    • DFederal, Regional, and Local
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Federal, State, and Local

    Australia has three levels of government: the Australian (federal) Government, state and territory governments, and local governments (councils). Each generally provides different services.

  5. 5.How are laws made in Australia?

    • ABy the Governor-General, acting alone on behalf of the King
    • BBy the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, without a vote in parliament
    • CBy the High Court, which writes new laws when it decides cases
    • DBy Parliament, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate
    Show answer

    Answer: D. By Parliament, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate

    The Australian Parliament, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, has the power to make and change laws. A Bill must be agreed by a majority in each House.