Australia's Government

The leader of the government of Australia is the prime minister. This means that

• the form of government in Australia is the same as in the United States.

• Australia has a parliamentary form of government.

• the leader in Australia is not a member of the legislature.

• Australia has an autocratic form of government.

Which of these statements about Australia is correct?

• Australia has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world.

• In Australia, one self-appointed ruler holds almost all the political power.

• Many Australians leave their country in search of political and personal freedom.

• As in the United States, Australian citizens directly elect the head of government.

The government of Australia is

• a unitary presidential democracy.

• a federal presidential democracy.

• a unitary parliamentary democracy.

• a federal parliamentary democracy.

Which is MOST LIKELY to be true of a democratic country?

• The country has a capitalist economy.

• The country has a strong central government.

• People have little say in their local governments.

• The government is given its power by its citizens.

In Australia, the elected members of the legislature choose a prime minister to lead the country. Which type of government system is used in Australia?

• presidential autocracy

• parliamentary autocracy

• presidential democracy

• parliamentary democracy

In which of the following ways does voting in Australia differ from voting in the United States?

• In Australia, citizens are required by law to vote.

• In the United States, citizens must be 18 years of age to vote.

• In Australia, citizens are only permitted to vote for the head of government.

• In the United States, citizens must first pass a literacy test before they can vote.

What responsibility do Australian citizens have once they turn 18?

• They are required to vote in elections.

• They are required to serve in the military.

• They must officially join a national political party.

• They must pass a test to remain Australian citizens.

Why does Australia have one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world?

• Australian citizens get paid to vote

• Voting is compulsory, meaning that all citizens 18-70 must vote

• Australians take their political system very seriously

• You get free vegemite when you go to vote

Who represents the interests of Queen Elizabeth II in the central government of Australia?

• the cabinet secretary

• the governor-general

• the prime minister

• the chief justice

How does the position of monarch differ from other positions in the central government of Australia?

• The monarch is not mentioned in the Australian Constitution.

• The monarch is appointed by the prime minister of Australia.

• A direct popular vote determines the next monarch when there is a vacancy.

• Rules of hereditary succession determine the next monarch when there is a vacancy.