Citizenship History and Symbols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What event is commemorated on Australia Day, 26 January?
- The signing of the Australian Constitution
- The arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788 (Correct answer)
- Federation of the Australian colonies in 1901
- The end of World War I
Correct answer: The arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788
Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) on 26 January 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the British flag.
Question 2: Which of the following is a value that Australians are expected to uphold, as stated in the Australian citizenship pledge?
- Loyalty to the British Crown above all else
- Respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual (Correct answer)
- Promotion of one cultural tradition above others
- Obedience to state governments only
Correct answer: Respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual
The citizenship pledge includes a commitment to respect the equal worth, dignity and freedom of every individual.
Question 3: What was the name of the 1967 referendum's outcome regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?
- It granted them the right to vote in federal elections
- It removed discriminatory references and allowed the Commonwealth to make laws for them (Correct answer)
- It established land rights across all states
- It recognised them as the first Australians in the Constitution
Correct answer: It removed discriminatory references and allowed the Commonwealth to make laws for them
The 1967 referendum removed two discriminatory references from the Constitution and gave the Commonwealth power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Question 4: The Australian national anthem 'Advance Australia Fair' was officially adopted in which year?
- 1974
- 1977
- 1984 (Correct answer)
- 1901
Correct answer: 1984
Although selected by a public vote in 1977, 'Advance Australia Fair' was officially proclaimed the national anthem on 19 April 1984.
Question 5: Which animal appears on the left side of the Australian Coat of Arms?
- Wombat
- Platypus
- Emu (Correct answer)
- Koala
Correct answer: Emu
The Australian Coat of Arms features an emu on the left (heraldic right) and a kangaroo on the right, both chosen because they cannot walk backwards.
Question 6: The Stolen Generations refers to which historical practice in Australia?
- Forced transportation of convicts from Britain
- Removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families by governments and churches (Correct answer)
- Displacement of settlers during the gold rush era
- Internment of enemy civilians during World War II
Correct answer: Removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families by governments and churches
The Stolen Generations refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian government agencies and church missions, primarily between 1910 and 1970.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the role of the Governor-General in Australia?
- Head of the Australian Government who sets policy
- The King's representative in Australia who performs constitutional duties (Correct answer)
- The elected leader of the Senate
- The chief judge of the High Court of Australia
Correct answer: The King's representative in Australia who performs constitutional duties
The Governor-General is the representative of the Australian monarch (King Charles III) and performs important constitutional and ceremonial duties.
Citizenship History and Symbols 3
What event is commemorated on Australia Day, 26 January?