Understanding Referendums in Australia

The video explains the concept of referendums, focusing on their role in changing the Australian Constitution. It highlights the challenges of passing a referendum, particularly the double majority requirement, which necessitates both a national majority and a majority in a majority of states. The video also touches on the history of the Australian Constitution and the importance of representative democracy. It concludes by encouraging viewers to research and consider both sides of any referendum issue.

What is a referendum?

• A type of election for choosing a new government

• A public vote on a specific policy issue

• A meeting of politicians to discuss laws

• A survey conducted by the government

Which document outlines the rules for the Australian government?

• The Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution

In a representative democracy, who votes on individual pieces of legislation?

• Elected representatives

• The Prime Minister

• The general public

• The judiciary

Why is it important that the Constitution is difficult to change?

• To ensure politicians cannot gain too much power

• To save time and money

• To allow the Prime Minister to make quick decisions

• To keep the public uninformed

What must happen for a change to the Constitution to be approved?

• The Prime Minister must agree

• A majority of the public must vote yes

• A majority of the states must vote yes

• Both a majority of the public and a majority of the states must vote yes

When was the last referendum held in Australia?

• 2010

• 2020

• 2005

• 1999

How many referendums have passed out of the 44 held in Australia?

• 8

• 20

• 30

• 44

What is the purpose of the double majority rule?

• To make referendums easier to pass

• To ensure only the Prime Minister can change the Constitution

• To allow only the largest states to vote

• To prevent New South Wales and Victoria from deciding every referendum

Which states could potentially block a popular change to the Constitution?

• Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia

• New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland

• Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland

• Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales

What is the ironic fact about changing the double majority rule?

• It can be changed by the Prime Minister alone

• It can only be changed through a referendum

• It doesn't need to be changed

• It can be changed by a simple majority vote