Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a right exclusively available to Australian citizens (not permanent residents)?
- The right to work in Australia
- The right to access Medicare
- The right to vote in federal elections (Correct answer)
- The right to send children to public school
Correct answer: The right to vote in federal elections
Voting in federal elections is a right exclusive to Australian citizens; permanent residents do not have this right.
Question 2: What does the Australian value of 'a fair go' mean in practice?
- Everyone deserves a chance to succeed based on ability and effort (Correct answer)
- The government gives money to those who do not work
- Only Australians born here deserve opportunity
- Outcomes must be identical for all people
Correct answer: Everyone deserves a chance to succeed based on ability and effort
'A fair go' means everyone should have equal opportunity to succeed through their own talent and hard work, regardless of their background.
Question 3: Which of these responsibilities applies specifically to Australian citizens aged 18 and over?
- Holding a current passport at all times
- Serving in the military when asked
- Enrolling on the electoral roll and voting (Correct answer)
- Attending a citizenship ceremony every year
Correct answer: Enrolling on the electoral roll and voting
Enrolling on the electoral roll and voting in elections is a legal responsibility for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over.
Question 4: Freedom of speech in Australia means that citizens:
- Can say anything without any legal consequence
- Can express opinions freely within the limits of the law (Correct answer)
- Must only speak English in public
- Can only criticise foreign governments, not the Australian government
Correct answer: Can express opinions freely within the limits of the law
Freedom of expression is valued in Australia, but it operates within the bounds of the law, which prohibits things like defamation and incitement to violence.
Question 5: How does Australia's system of government protect individual rights?
- Through a single powerful ruler who enforces fairness
- Through separation of powers among parliament, executive, and judiciary (Correct answer)
- By allowing one political party to control all decisions
- Through community councils with override power
Correct answer: Through separation of powers among parliament, executive, and judiciary
Australia's separation of powers divides authority among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent abuse and protect individual rights.
Question 6: What is the role of the Australian Human Rights Commission?
- To elect members of parliament
- To investigate complaints about breaches of human rights and discrimination (Correct answer)
- To write new laws for parliament
- To manage Australia's immigration program
Correct answer: To investigate complaints about breaches of human rights and discrimination
The Australian Human Rights Commission investigates complaints related to human rights violations and discrimination under federal law.
Question 7: If a new Australian citizen disagrees with a government policy, what is the appropriate democratic response?
- Renounce citizenship in protest
- Ignore the policy as it does not apply to new citizens
- Contact their elected representative or vote for change at elections (Correct answer)
- Organise an armed uprising
Correct answer: Contact their elected representative or vote for change at elections
In a democracy, the appropriate way to challenge policies is through peaceful means such as contacting elected representatives, lobbying, or voting.
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities 4
Which of the following is a right exclusively available to Australian citizens (not permanent residents)?