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CitizenshipExam
63 questions · Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Responsibilities and privileges of citizenship practice questions

Australian citizens have responsibilities, such as obeying the law, voting in federal and state or territory elections and referendums, defending Australia if needed, and serving on a jury if called. Citizenship also brings privileges, such as applying for an Australian passport and seeking election to parliament.

What this topic covers

  • Obeying the law
  • Compulsory voting in elections and referendums
  • Defending Australia should the need arise
  • Serving on a jury if called to do so
  • Privileges such as an Australian passport and standing for parliament
Study notes: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

Sample questions with answers

  1. 1.Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizenship?

    • AObeying the laws of Australia
    • BAttending local council meetings
    • CHolding a current Australian passport
    • DJoining a political party
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Obeying the laws of Australia

    The responsibilities of Australian citizens are to obey the laws of Australia, vote in elections and referendums, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called to do so.

  2. 2.When must Australian citizens vote in federal elections?

    • AOnce they are aged 16 years or over
    • BOnce they are aged 21 years or over
    • COnly when a referendum is being held
    • DOnce they are aged 18 years or over
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Once they are aged 18 years or over

    Australian citizens aged 18 years or over must enrol to vote, and voting is compulsory in federal, state and territory elections and referendums.

  3. 3.What is the responsibility regarding jury service?

    • AIf called, serving on a jury is a responsibility of citizens aged 18 or over
    • BServing on a jury is a responsibility only for police officers and lawyers
    • CJury service is optional, and citizens may refuse it for any reason at all
    • DOnly permanent residents aged 18 or over are called to serve on a jury
    Show answer

    Answer: A. If called, serving on a jury is a responsibility of citizens aged 18 or over

    Jury service, if requested, is a responsibility for Australian citizens aged 18 years or over. Citizens on the electoral roll can be called to serve.

  4. 4.What should you do if you serve on a jury?

    • ASkip jury duty if you’re busy
    • BAlways find the defendant guilty
    • CMake decisions based on personal feelings
    • DListen to all evidence and make a fair decision
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Listen to all evidence and make a fair decision

    A jury is a group of ordinary Australians who listen to the evidence in a court case and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty. Jury service helps ensure the court system is open and fair.

  5. 5.What is the responsibility of defending Australia?

    • AOnly men who are citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia
    • BOnly people who work in the military need to defend Australia
    • CDefending Australia is not one of the responsibilities of citizens
    • DCitizens have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia should the need arise

    While service in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, a responsibility of Australian citizens is to defend Australia should the need arise.