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Government and the law in Australia: 30 sample questions

Checked 6 Oct 2026

Practice questions on Part 3 of Our Common Bond, guide pages 23 to 32, grouped by topic. Pick your answer, then open it: the explanation and the page in the guide are under each question.

Written by Cal Australia from the guide. These are not questions from the test. The number of answer options in the test is not published; we show 3, or 2 for situations.

Take the full free test: 20 questionsRead Part 3 in our study guide

Voting and having your say

Guide page 24. Read this topic in our study guide

1. What is one purpose of compulsory voting in Australia?

  1. A: So the Governor-General can choose the MPs
  2. B: So the people have a say in who governs
  3. C: So the AEC can count the population
See the answer

Answer: B, So the people have a say in who governs

Compulsory voting makes sure the people have a say in who governs and represents them in parliament. See Our Common Bond, page 24.

  • Not A: The people elect members of parliament; the Governor-General does not choose them.
  • Not C: Counting the population is not the purpose; the AEC runs elections and keeps the roll.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 24

2. On election day, a party worker outside the voting centre asks Ravi whom he will vote for. Which is correct?

  1. A: Ravi does not have to tell
  2. B: Ravi must tell the party worker
  3. C: Ravi must show his ballot paper
See the answer

Answer: A, Ravi does not have to tell

Voting is by secret ballot, so you are free to vote for any candidate. No one is allowed to know your vote unless you choose to tell them. See Our Common Bond, pages 24 and 43.

  • Not B: Party workers cannot make anyone reveal a vote, because voting is private.
  • Not C: People fill in ballot papers privately, so no one can make Ravi show his.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, pages 24 and 43

3. Voting is generally compulsory for enrolled Australian citizens. Which of these must they vote in?

  1. A: Federal elections, but not referendums
  2. B: Referendums, but not federal elections
  3. C: Federal elections and referendums
See the answer

Answer: C, Federal elections and referendums

Voting is compulsory in federal elections and also in referendums on changing the Constitution. This applies to enrolled citizens, with some exceptions in electoral law. See Our Common Bond, page 24.

  • Not A: Referendums on changing the Constitution are compulsory too, not optional.
  • Not B: Federal elections are compulsory as well, not only referendums.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 24

Federation and the Constitution

Guide page 25. Read this topic in our study guide

4. Which body has the final power to interpret Australia's laws?

  1. A: The High Court
  2. B: The Senate
  3. C: The Governor-General
See the answer

Answer: A, The High Court

The High Court of Australia has the ultimate power to apply and interpret Australia's laws. The Constitution set it up in 1901. See Our Common Bond, page 25.

  • Not B: The Senate debates and votes on laws; judges interpret and apply them.
  • Not C: The Governor-General is part of the executive, which puts laws into practice.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 25

5. How can the Australian Constitution be changed?

  1. A: By a ruling of the High Court
  2. B: By Parliament alone, with a new law
  3. C: By a referendum of the people
See the answer

Answer: C, By a referendum of the people

The Australian people change the Constitution by voting in a referendum. The 1967 Referendum is one example. See Our Common Bond, page 25.

  • Not A: The High Court interprets the Constitution, but only the people can change it, by voting in a referendum.
  • Not B: The Australian Parliament can pass ordinary laws, but a change to the Constitution must go to the voters.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 25

6. Just before Federation in 1901, how was Australia made up?

  1. A: One nation with six states
  2. B: Two colonies, east and west
  3. C: Six separate British colonies
See the answer

Answer: C, Six separate British colonies

Before 1901, Australia was six separate, self-governing British colonies. Each had its own constitution and laws. See Our Common Bond, page 25.

  • Not A: One nation made of states began only at Federation in 1901, not before it.
  • Not B: There were six colonies, not two.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 25

The three powers of government

Guide page 26. Read this topic in our study guide

7. The Constitution splits the power of government into three parts. Why?

  1. A: So that the courts can make all the new laws
  2. B: So the Prime Minister can act without delays
  3. C: To stop any one group holding all power
See the answer

Answer: C, To stop any one group holding all power

Power is divided to stop one person, or one group, from holding all the power. See Our Common Bond, page 26.

  • Not A: Courts interpret and apply laws; making laws is the job of Parliament.
  • Not B: The split is meant to limit power, not to help the Prime Minister act without checks.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 26

8. Parliament debates and passes a new law. Which power is Parliament using?

  1. A: Legislative power
  2. B: Executive power
  3. C: Judicial power
See the answer

Answer: A, Legislative power

Legislative power is the power to make and change laws, and Parliament holds it. See Our Common Bond, pages 26 and 42.

  • Not B: Executive power is putting laws into practice, held by the Prime Minister, ministers and the Governor-General.
  • Not C: Judicial power belongs to judges, who interpret and apply the law in the courts.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, pages 26 and 42

The Head of State and the Governor-General

Guide pages 26, 27. Read this topic in our study guide

9. Which statement about the Governor-General is correct?

  1. A: Leads the party that wins the election
  2. B: Must stay neutral in politics
  3. C: Is elected by the people every three years
See the answer

Answer: B, Must stay neutral in politics

The Governor-General is not part of the government and must remain neutral. The Governor-General acts independently of all political parties. See Our Common Bond, pages 26 and 27.

  • Not A: The leader of the winning party usually becomes Prime Minister, not Governor-General.
  • Not C: The Governor-General is appointed by the King on the Prime Minister's advice, not elected.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, pages 26 to 27

10. Australia's way of government mixes traditions from which places?

  1. A: Britain and North America
  2. B: France and the Netherlands
  3. C: China and Southeast Asia
See the answer

Answer: A, Britain and North America

Our system mixes British and North American traditions. The mix is uniquely Australian. See Our Common Bond, page 26.

  • Not B: Our system draws on British and North American traditions, not French or Dutch ones.
  • Not C: Our system draws on British and North American traditions, not Chinese or Southeast Asian ones.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 26

Australia's leaders

Guide page 27. Read this topic in our study guide

11. Lina is a member of the Australian Parliament. The Prime Minister chooses her to be responsible for health. What is her role called?

  1. A: Government minister
  2. B: Chief Minister of a territory
  3. C: Governor-General
See the answer

Answer: A, Government minister

A government minister is an MP chosen by a government leader. A minister is responsible for one area of government. See Our Common Bond, page 27.

  • Not B: A Chief Minister leads a territory government, not one area of the Australian Government.
  • Not C: The Governor-General represents the King and is not a member of parliament.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 27

12. Who is an elected member of a local council?

  1. A: A senator
  2. B: A councillor
  3. C: A Premier
See the answer

Answer: B, A councillor

A councillor is an elected member of a local council. A Mayor or Shire President leads a local government. See Our Common Bond, page 27.

  • Not A: A senator represents a whole state or territory in the Australian Parliament, not a council area.
  • Not C: A Premier leads a state government, not a local council.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 27

13. Who leads the government of the Northern Territory?

  1. A: The Governor-General
  2. B: The Administrator
  3. C: The Chief Minister
See the answer

Answer: C, The Chief Minister

The leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister. The leader of a state government is the Premier. See Our Common Bond, page 28.

  • Not A: The Governor-General represents the King for all of Australia and does not lead a government.
  • Not B: The Administrator has a role like a state Governor; the Chief Minister leads the government.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 28

The two Houses of Parliament

Guide pages 27, 28. Read this topic in our study guide

14. What is another name for the House of Representatives?

  1. A: The House of Review
  2. B: The People's House
  3. C: The Upper House
See the answer

Answer: B, The People's House

The House of Representatives is also called the Lower House or the People's House. The Senate is the Upper House. See Our Common Bond, page 28.

  • Not A: The House of Review is another name for the Senate.
  • Not C: The Upper House is another name for the Senate.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 28

15. Federal electorates are also known by other names. Which pair is correct?

  1. A: Seats or divisions
  2. B: Shires or towns
  3. C: Colonies or states
See the answer

Answer: A, Seats or divisions

Electorates are also called electoral districts, divisions or seats. Voters in each one elect a member of the House of Representatives. See Our Common Bond, page 41.

  • Not B: Shires and towns are names for local government areas, not federal electorates.
  • Not C: Colonies became states at Federation in 1901; neither is a name for an electorate.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 41

The three levels of government

Guide pages 28, 29. Read this topic in our study guide

16. Who appoints the Administrator of the Northern Territory?

  1. A: The Chief Minister
  2. B: The Governor-General
  3. C: Voters in the Northern Territory
See the answer

Answer: B, The Governor-General

The Governor-General appoints the Administrator of the Northern Territory. See Our Common Bond, page 28.

  • Not A: The Chief Minister leads the territory government but does not appoint the Administrator.
  • Not C: The Administrator is appointed by the Governor-General, not elected by voters.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 28

17. Which level of government is responsible for immigration and citizenship?

  1. A: The Australian Government
  2. B: State and territory governments
  3. C: Local councils
See the answer

Answer: A, The Australian Government

The Australian Government is responsible for immigration and citizenship. It also handles defence, trade and foreign affairs. See Our Common Bond, page 29.

  • Not B: State and territory governments run services like schools and hospitals, not immigration and citizenship.
  • Not C: Local councils handle local services like parks and rubbish, not immigration and citizenship.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 29

18. Which is a difference between states and territories in Australia?

  1. A: Territories have more senators than states
  2. B: People in territories cannot vote at all
  3. C: States have rights in the Constitution
See the answer

Answer: C, States have rights in the Constitution

States have rights recognised by the Constitution, while territories do not. States can pass laws in their own right. See Our Common Bond, page 28.

  • Not A: Each territory has 2 senators, while each state has 12.
  • Not B: Citizens in territories vote in elections, including for their own territory parliament.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 28

Parties, forming government and making laws

Guide page 30. Read this topic in our study guide

19. What is a political party?

  1. A: Staff who work in a government department
  2. B: People who share ideas about government
  3. C: A group that runs federal elections
See the answer

Answer: B, People who share ideas about government

A political party is a group of people with similar ideas about how a country should be governed. They work to turn the party's ideas into laws. See Our Common Bond, page 30.

  • Not A: Government department staff are public servants, not a political party.
  • Not C: Federal elections are run by the AEC, which is independent of all parties.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 30

20. After a federal election, which party or coalition usually forms the Opposition?

  1. A: The largest group in the Senate
  2. B: The group that lost the most seats
  3. C: The second largest party or coalition in the House
See the answer

Answer: C, The second largest party or coalition in the House

The Opposition is the largest party or coalition that is not in government. Usually this is the group with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives. See Our Common Bond, page 30.

  • Not A: The Opposition is decided by numbers in the House of Representatives, not the Senate.
  • Not B: The Opposition is usually the second largest group in the House, not the group that lost the most seats.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 30

21. A minister is responsible for an area such as employment or the Treasury. What is this area called?

  1. A: A portfolio
  2. B: An electorate
  3. C: A shire
See the answer

Answer: A, A portfolio

The area a minister is responsible for is called a portfolio, such as employment, Indigenous Affairs or the Treasury. See Our Common Bond, page 30.

  • Not B: An electorate is a district of voters who elect a member of the House of Representatives.
  • Not C: A shire is a local government area, not a minister's area of responsibility.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 30

Courts, juries and police

Guide page 31. Read this topic in our study guide

22. Kim lives in Canberra. Her bike is stolen from outside her home. Which police force does general police work in the Australian Capital Territory?

  1. A: The New South Wales Police Force
  2. B: The Australian Federal Police
  3. C: The Australian Defence Force
See the answer

Answer: B, The Australian Federal Police

The Australian Federal Police is responsible for general police work in the Australian Capital Territory. See Our Common Bond, page 31.

  • Not A: The New South Wales Police Force deals with crimes in New South Wales; in Canberra, everyday policing is done by the AFP.
  • Not C: The Australian Defence Force is the military, not a police force.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 31

23. Leo is caught speeding. The police officer gives him a fine, and Leo pays the fine on time. Which is correct?

  1. A: Leo has committed the crime of bribery
  2. B: Leo has dealt with the fine lawfully
  3. C: Leo must also go to court for bribery
See the answer

Answer: B, Leo has dealt with the fine lawfully

A fine is a lawful penalty for breaking traffic laws, so paying it is not a bribe. A bribe is money offered to police to ignore the law, which is a serious crime. See Our Common Bond, pages 31 and 32.

  • Not A: Paying a fine is not bribery; bribery means offering money to police to ignore the law.
  • Not C: Leo offered no bribe, so there is no bribery matter; paying the fine dealt with the speeding.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, pages 31 to 32

24. In Australia, how is a person treated before a court finds them guilty?

  1. A: As guilty until they prove otherwise
  2. B: As guilty if the police charged them
  3. C: As innocent until proven guilty
See the answer

Answer: C, As innocent until proven guilty

In Australia, people are considered innocent until a court finds them guilty. Everyone has the right to a lawyer in court. See Our Common Bond, page 31.

  • Not A: People are treated as innocent until a court finds them guilty, not the other way round.
  • Not B: A police charge is not a finding of guilt; only a court decides if a person is guilty.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 31

Crimes and family violence

Guide page 32. Read this topic in our study guide

25. Wei breaks an Australian law that he did not know about. Which is correct?

  1. A: He cannot be charged, as he did not know
  2. B: He could still be charged
  3. C: He can only be charged if he is a citizen
See the answer

Answer: B, He could still be charged

Not knowing the law is no excuse. If you break a law you did not know about, you could still be charged. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not A: Not knowing a law is no excuse, so he could still be charged.
  • Not C: Everyone in Australia must follow its laws, citizen or not.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

26. Which of these is a crime in Australia?

  1. A: Arriving late to work
  2. B: Armed robbery
  3. C: Forgetting a library book
See the answer

Answer: B, Armed robbery

Armed robbery is a crime, and the guide lists it among the most serious crimes in Australia. Others include murder, assault and fraud. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not A: Arriving late to work may break a workplace rule, but it is not a crime.
  • Not C: Forgetting to return a library book is not a crime.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

27. Lin hears her neighbour screaming for help. She believes the neighbour is in danger right now. What should Lin do?

  1. A: Wait to see if it stops
  2. B: Contact the police
  3. C: Do nothing, as it is a family matter
See the answer

Answer: B, Contact the police

If you or someone you know is in danger, you should contact the police. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not A: Waiting can leave the neighbour at risk; anyone in danger should get help from the police.
  • Not C: Violence in the home is a crime, not a private family matter, so contact the police.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

Road and traffic laws

Guide page 32. Read this topic in our study guide

28. Ana drives her baby in her own private car. No special exemption applies. How must the baby travel?

  1. A: On an adult's lap in the back seat
  2. B: In an approved car seat for its age
  3. C: In the front, without a seatbelt
See the answer

Answer: B, In an approved car seat for its age

Babies and young children must be in an approved car seat. Everybody travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not A: A baby must travel in an approved car seat, not on someone's lap.
  • Not C: Everyone in a car must wear a seatbelt, and a baby needs an approved car seat.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

29. Omar buys an ordinary private car. He has no special permit or exemption. What must be true of the car before he drives it on public roads?

  1. A: It must be registered
  2. B: It must be made in Australia
  3. C: It must be less than five years old
See the answer

Answer: A, It must be registered

To drive a car in Australia, the car must be registered and the driver needs a driver's licence. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not B: Where a car was made does not matter for this rule; it must be registered.
  • Not C: The rule here is registration, not the age of the car.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

30. Which of these is against the law while driving in Australia?

  1. A: Listening to the radio with the windows down
  2. B: Driving with the headlights on in the day
  3. C: Holding a mobile phone to send a text
See the answer

Answer: C, Holding a mobile phone to send a text

It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving. Traffic laws are very strict. See Our Common Bond, page 32.

  • Not A: Listening to the radio while driving is allowed; holding a phone to text is not.
  • Not B: Using headlights during the day is allowed; it is hand-held phone use that breaks the law.

Source: Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 32

More practice

Sample questions on the other Parts: Part 1: Australia and its people, Part 2: Rights and liberties, Part 4: Australian values. Or take the free full practice test: 20 questions in 45 minutes, like the test format, with every answer explained.

Not sure what a word means? See the glossary.

Based on Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (testable section), © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0). Changes made: our own questions and summaries. Found a mistake? Write to hello@calaustralia.com: we fix it and list the correction on our sources page.

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