Our Common Bond
Part 2 of Our Common Bond: democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Test yourself on ten Part 2 questions, then use the full list under the summary to see every answer with its explanation.
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Practice questions adapted by Radif Partners from Our Common Bond. Not the official test questions.
Questions adapted from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0, by Radif Partners.
Part 2 of Our Common Bond is the shortest part of the testable section, pages 17 to 22, and it explains the second line of the pledge: sharing Australia's democratic beliefs and respecting its rights and liberties. It sets out four beliefs (parliamentary democracy, the Rule of Law, living peacefully, and respect for every individual whatever their background), three freedoms (speech and expression, association, religion) and two equalities (between men and women, and equal opportunity, the "fair go"). It then lists what a citizen gives Australia, four responsibilities including voting from age 18 and jury service, and six privileges such as an Australian passport, standing for parliament and consular help overseas. It closes with participation in society and tax. Every freedom is limited by the law, a theme that returns in Part 4. Our bank has 51 practice questions on Part 2.
1.For Australian citizens aged 18 or over, enrolling and voting in federal elections is…
- · Optional
- ✓ Compulsory
- · Only for property owners
- · Only required every second election
Australian citizens aged 18 or over must enrol and vote in federal elections, in elections for their state or territory, and in referendums. Voting gives citizens a say in how Australia is governed, although voting in some local government elections may not be compulsory.
Where to check: Part 2: Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
2.What is Australia's system of government?
- · An absolute monarchy
- · A one-party state
- · A military government
- ✓ A parliamentary democracy
Australia is governed as a parliamentary democracy. The government's power comes from the Australian people, since citizens elect people to represent them in parliament. Those elected representatives make the laws.
Where to check: Part 2: Parliamentary democracy
3.In Australia's parliamentary democracy, how do representatives answer to the people for their decisions?
- ✓ Through elections
- · Through the courts only
- · Through the King
- · They do not answer to anyone
Members of parliament are accountable to the people, through elections, for their decisions. Voters who are unhappy with their representatives can choose someone else at the next election.
Where to check: Part 2: Parliamentary democracy
4.How do Australians believe change in society or the law should come about?
- · Through violence if necessary
- ✓ Through discussion, peaceful persuasion and democratic processes
- · By order of religious leaders
- · Through secret agreements
Australians value living in a peaceful country whose system of government is stable. They believe change should come through discussion, peaceful persuasion and democratic processes, and they reject violence as a means of changing someone's mind or changing the law.
Where to check: Part 2: Living peacefully
5.How are all Australians expected to treat each other, whatever their race, gender, age, religion or background?
- · According to their wealth
- · According to their country of origin
- ✓ With dignity and respect
- · With suspicion until trust is earned
Australia's democratic system rests on every individual having rights and equality under the law. Australians are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect, whatever their race, origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or wealth.
Where to check: Part 2: Respect for all individuals regardless of background
6.Under freedom of speech, can people in Australia criticise the government?
- · No, it is against the law
- · Only members of parliament can
- · Only during election campaigns
- ✓ Yes, as long as they obey Australian laws
Freedom of speech means people may speak and write their opinions. For example, they can criticise the government, protest peacefully against its decisions and campaign for laws to change, as long as they still obey Australian laws.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of speech and freedom of expression
7.Freedom of expression in Australia includes expressing views through which means?
- ✓ Art, film, music and literature
- · Damaging public property
- · Threatening people who disagree
- · Only official government channels
Freedom of expression means people may share their views, for example through film, art, music and literature. People may also meet in public or in private to discuss social or political matters, provided they always obey the law.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of speech and freedom of expression
8.When people gather to protest against a government action, what must the gathering be like?
- · Approved by a religious leader
- ✓ Peaceful, without injuring anyone or damaging property
- · Held only at night
- · Limited to members of one political party
Australians may join with others to protest against an organisation or a government action. Because the law must always be obeyed, these gatherings have to be peaceful and must not hurt anyone or damage property.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of association
9.How does the guide describe Australia's religious heritage?
- · Buddhist
- · Hindu
- ✓ Judaeo-Christian
- · Islamic
Australia's heritage is Judaeo-Christian and many Australians identify as Christians, but people of every major religion live in Australia. The government and the law treat every citizen equally, whatever they believe.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
10.Which of these is a public holiday in Australia on a Christian day?
- · Diwali
- · Ramadan
- · Lunar New Year
- ✓ Good Friday
Because of its Judaeo-Christian heritage, Australia observes public holidays on Christian days such as Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. People of every faith, and of no faith, are free to practise their own beliefs.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
11.The government in Australia is secular. What does this mean?
- ✓ It operates separately from churches and other religious entities
- · It is run by church leaders
- · It follows one official religion
- · It bans religious practice
Australia's government is secular: it works separately from churches and other religious bodies. The country has no official national religion, and the government treats every citizen equally, whatever their religion or beliefs.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
12.Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? People in Australia are required to follow a religion.
- · True
- ✓ False
The statement is false. In Australia people may follow whichever religion they choose, or no religion at all. Either way, religious or not, everyone must obey the laws of Australia.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
13.What does a 'fair go' mean in Australia?
- · Everyone receives the same income
- ✓ What people achieve should come from their talents, work and effort, not their wealth or background
- · Older people always get priority
- · Only citizens may own a business
Australians value equal opportunity, often called a 'fair go'. What a person achieves in life should depend on their talent, work and effort, not on their wealth or background, so Australian society has no formal class distinctions.
Where to check: Part 2: Equality of opportunity and a 'fair go'
14.Australian law protects people from being treated differently because of which characteristics?
- · Their favourite sport
- · Their choice of car
- ✓ Gender, race, disability or age
- · Their taste in music
Several Australian laws make sure nobody is treated differently from other people on the grounds of race, gender, age or disability. Equal treatment under the law is one of Australia's core democratic principles.
Where to check: Part 2: Our equalities
15.Serving in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary. What related responsibility do Australian citizens have?
- · To serve in the army for two years
- · To pay a defence fee instead
- · There is no related responsibility
- ✓ To defend Australia should the need arise
Even though serving in the Australian Defence Force is voluntary, citizens have a responsibility to defend Australia if the need arises. It is essential that citizens are willing to come together to protect the nation and its way of life.
Where to check: Part 2: Defend Australia should the need arise
16.Which Australian citizens may be called for jury service?
- ✓ Citizens who are on the electoral roll
- · Only lawyers and police
- · Only people over 65
- · Only people who volunteer
Serving on a jury when asked is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 or over, and citizens on the electoral roll may be called. A jury of ordinary men and women hears the evidence and decides whether a person is guilty or not guilty.
Where to check: Part 2: Serve on a jury if called to do so
17.What is a referendum?
- · A vote to choose a new Prime Minister
- ✓ A vote to change the Australian Constitution
- · A survey run by a newspaper
- · A meeting of local councillors
A referendum is a vote on whether to change the Australian Constitution. Voting in one is a responsibility of citizens aged 18 or over, just as voting in federal, state and territory elections is.
Where to check: Part 2: Voting in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
18.Is voting compulsory in every Australian election?
- · No, it is never compulsory
- · Only local elections are compulsory
- ✓ It is compulsory in federal, state and territory elections, but may not be in some local government elections
- · Only for people born in Australia
Voting is compulsory in federal elections and in state and territory elections. In some states, however, voting in local government elections may be optional. Voting gives citizens a say in how Australia is governed.
Where to check: Part 2: Voting in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
19.Which is a privilege of Australian citizenship relating to children born overseas?
- · Their automatic exemption from all taxes
- · Their right to vote from age 12
- · Free private school education
- ✓ Applying for them to become Australian citizens by descent
Australian citizens may apply for Australian citizenship by descent for a child of theirs born overseas. This is one of the privileges of citizenship, along with voting, standing for election and holding an Australian passport.
Where to check: Part 2: Apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
20.Which is an example of working in the Australian Public Service, a privilege of citizenship?
- ✓ Working for the Australian Taxation Office
- · Running a private restaurant
- · Working for a foreign embassy
- · Owning a farm
One privilege of Australian citizenship is being able to apply for Australian Public Service jobs, working for the Australian Government at agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Services Australia.
Where to check: Part 2: Apply for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force
21.Which three services make up the Australian Defence Force?
- · The Army, Police and Coastguard
- ✓ The Army, Navy and Air Force
- · The Navy, Customs and Border Force
- · The Air Force, Fire Brigade and Ambulance
Australian citizens may apply to work in the Australian Defence Force, which consists of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Serving in the Defence Force is voluntary.
Where to check: Part 2: Apply for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force
22.Which Australian citizens CANNOT seek election to parliament?
- · Citizens born overseas
- · Citizens who are women
- ✓ Dual citizens
- · Citizens who rent their home
Australian citizens aged 18 or over who do not hold dual citizenship may stand for election to a federal, state or territory parliament. Serving in an Australian parliament is both an honour and a serious responsibility.
Where to check: Part 2: Seek election to parliament
23.As an Australian citizen travelling abroad, what do you need to come back to Australia?
- · A new visa each time
- · A letter from your employer
- · Permission from your local council
- ✓ No visa: you are free to return
Australian citizens may live in Australia freely and have the privilege of applying for an Australian passport. After travelling abroad, they can come back to Australia without needing a visa.
Where to check: Part 2: Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
24.When abroad, where can an Australian citizen seek help from Australian government officials in an emergency?
- ✓ An Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
- · Any local hotel
- · The airline they travelled with
- · A foreign police station only
In many countries there is an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate. Australian officials there can help citizens during emergencies such as civil unrest or natural disasters, issue emergency passports and give support after an accident, serious illness or death.
Where to check: Part 2: Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
25.When an Australian citizen is in another country, whose laws must they obey?
- · Only Australian laws
- ✓ The laws of that country
- · No laws apply to tourists
- · Only international laws
Australian citizens can seek consular help from Australian officials while overseas, but when in another country they must obey the laws of that country. Consular assistance does not place a person above local law.
Where to check: Part 2: Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
26.Which agency collects tax paid on money earned from a job, a business or investments?
- · The Australian Electoral Commission
- · The Reserve Bank of Australia
- ✓ The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- · Services Australia
Paying tax is a legal requirement and an important way of contributing to the Australian community. Tax is paid on income from employment, a business or investments, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects it.
Where to check: Part 2: Participating in Australian society
27.Which of these services are paid for through taxes in Australia?
- · Only the salaries of politicians
- · Only private businesses
- · Nothing, taxes go overseas
- ✓ Government healthcare and education, defence, roads and social security
Taxes make possible many of the benefits Australians enjoy. They fund government healthcare and education, defence, social security, and roads and railways. Local councils and state and territory governments also raise taxes to pay for services.
Where to check: Part 2: Participating in Australian society
28.Which of these is an example of actively participating in Australian society?
- ✓ Volunteering to do social and community work
- · Refusing to vote
- · Avoiding paying tax
- · Staying away from community groups
Australia encourages all citizens to participate actively in society. Examples include joining neighbourhood and community organisations, volunteering for social and community work, joining an arts or cultural group and taking part in political life.
Where to check: Part 2: Participating in Australian society
29.Is tax in Australia paid only on wages from a job?
- · Yes, only on wages
- ✓ No, many goods and services are taxed as well
- · Only on property
- · Only on imported cars
Tax is paid on income from employment, a business or investments, and many goods and services are taxed as well. The ATO helps people understand their tax rights and obligations and makes sure they pay the right amount.
Where to check: Part 2: Participating in Australian society
30.Why do our representatives in government make laws?
- · To benefit only the governing party
- · To raise money for politicians
- ✓ To keep society orderly, free and safe and to protect our rights
- · To limit who can live in each state
Our representatives in government make laws to keep society orderly, free and safe and to protect people's rights. Every Australian citizen, and everyone else in Australia, must obey Australian laws.
Where to check: Part 2: Obey the laws of Australia
31.Under the Rule of Law, which person, group or religious rule stands above the law?
- · Religious rules
- · Senior police officers
- · Wealthy business people
- ✓ None of them
The Rule of Law means that everyone is equal under the law and nobody stands above it. That includes leaders in government, communities and religions, business people and the police.
Where to check: Part 2: The Rule of Law
32.In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the government's power come from?
- ✓ From the Australian people, who vote for representatives
- · From the King alone
- · From the High Court
- · From the public service
Citizens elect people to represent them in parliament, so the government's power comes from the people. Those representatives then answer to voters at elections.
Where to check: Part 2: Parliamentary democracy
33.How do Australians view violence as a way to change someone's mind or the law?
- · As a last resort when talks fail
- ✓ They reject it
- · As acceptable if most people agree
- · As acceptable when a law seems unfair
Australians value a peaceful country with stable government. Change is expected to come from discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process, never from violence.
Where to check: Part 2: Living peacefully
34.Which of these people must obey Australia's laws?
- · Only citizens born in Australia
- · Only people who hold no position of power
- ✓ Government, community and religious leaders, business people and the police
- · Everyone except members of parliament
Holding power gives no exemption. Under the Rule of Law, leaders of every kind, business people and police officers must all follow Australian law.
Where to check: Part 2: The Rule of Law
35.What principle is Australia's democratic system based on?
- · Rights depend on how long a person has lived in Australia
- · Only people born in Australia have full rights
- · Rights depend on a person's religion
- ✓ Every person, whatever their background, has rights and equality under the law
The system rests on the idea that every individual has rights and is equal under Australian law, whatever their origin, beliefs or circumstances.
Where to check: Part 2: Respect for all individuals regardless of background
36.Which of these are Australians described as proud of?
- ✓ Living in a peaceful country with stable government
- · Having one official religion
- · Never changing their laws
- · Being ruled without elections
Australians take pride in peace and stable government. When change is needed, they pursue it through discussion and the democratic process.
Where to check: Part 2: Living peacefully
37.Which definition of democracy matches the booklet's glossary?
- · Government by a monarch without a parliament
- ✓ Government by the people through elected representatives
- · Government by the judges of the High Court
- · Government by the armed forces
In a democracy the people govern through the representatives they elect. In Australia citizens vote for members of parliament who make the laws.
Where to check: Glossary of the testable section
38.Under the Rule of Law, is the Prime Minister bound by Australian laws?
- · No, the Prime Minister is above the law
- · Only during an election campaign
- ✓ Yes, like everyone else
- · Only for traffic laws
The Rule of Law binds every person, citizens and government alike. The glossary gives the Prime Minister as an example of someone who must follow all Australian laws.
Where to check: Glossary of the testable section
39.Which best describes a parliamentary democracy?
- · A system in which members of parliament are appointed for life
- · A system in which the courts write all the laws
- · A system in which religious leaders choose the government
- ✓ A system in which citizens regularly elect representatives to parliament
A parliamentary democracy depends on regular elections. Citizens choose their representatives, and those representatives must answer to the voters.
Where to check: Glossary of the testable section
40.Which of these is an example of freedom of association?
- ✓ Choosing whether or not to join a trade union
- · Voting in a referendum
- · Paying income tax
- · Serving on a jury
Freedom of association means people may form or join lawful groups such as parties, unions or religious, cultural and social groups. Nobody can be forced to join one.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of association
41.Does Australia have an official national religion?
- · Yes, Christianity
- ✓ No
- · Yes, a different one in each state
- · Yes, chosen by referendum
There is no official religion and the government is secular. People may follow any religion or none, and the law treats all of them equally.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
42.In Australia, is it against the law to discriminate against someone because of their gender?
- · No
- · Only in government jobs
- ✓ Yes
Women and men have equal rights in Australia, and treating a person unfairly because of their gender is illegal.
Where to check: Part 2: Gender equality
43.Which of these does freedom of speech allow, as long as the law is obeyed?
- · Damaging property during a protest
- · Threatening someone who disagrees
- · Encouraging others to break the law
- ✓ Campaigning to change a law
Freedom of speech lets people criticise the government, protest peacefully and campaign for new laws. It never covers breaking the law, and others' freedom of speech must be respected too.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of speech and freedom of expression
44.What does the idea of a 'fair go' aim to ensure about class in Australia?
- ✓ That there are no formal class distinctions
- · That there are official social classes
- · That old families get priority
- · That jobs are reserved by background
A fair go means success should follow from talent, work and effort rather than wealth or background, so Australian society has no formal class system.
Where to check: Part 2: Equality of opportunity and a 'fair go'
45.How is Australia's Judaeo-Christian heritage reflected in everyday life?
- · An official state church
- ✓ Public holidays on days such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
- · A religious test for voters
- · A rule that public servants must be Christian
Many Australians describe themselves as Christian, and public holidays fall on Christian days like Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The state itself stays secular.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of religion
46.Can people in Australia meet in public or in private to discuss politics?
- · Only in private homes
- · Only with police permission
- ✓ Yes
Freedom of expression includes meeting with others, in public or in private, to talk about social or political issues, provided the law is obeyed.
Where to check: Part 2: Freedom of speech and freedom of expression
47.Which of these is a responsibility, not only a privilege, of Australian citizens?
- · Applying for an Australian passport
- · Seeking election to parliament
- · Asking for consular help overseas
- ✓ Serving on a jury if called
Citizens must obey the law, vote, defend Australia if needed and serve on a jury if called. A passport, standing for parliament and consular help are privileges.
Where to check: Part 2: Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
48.At what age does voting become a responsibility for Australian citizens?
- ✓ 18 years or over
- · 16 years or over
- · 17 years or over
- · 21 years or over
Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote at federal, state and territory elections and at referendums. The same age applies to jury service.
Where to check: Part 2: Voting in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
49.What does a jury do in a court case?
- · Sets the penalty for the crime
- ✓ Listens to the evidence and decides whether a person is guilty or not guilty
- · Writes the law that applies
- · Arrests the suspect
A jury is a group of ordinary Australians who hear the evidence in court and reach a verdict. Jury service helps keep the court system open and fair.
Where to check: Part 2: Serve on a jury if called to do so
50.Which of these can Australian officials overseas help citizens with?
- · Avoiding the laws of the country they are in
- · Overruling a decision of a foreign court
- ✓ Issuing an emergency passport
- · Paying for their holiday
Australian officials abroad can issue emergency passports and give advice and support after an accident, a serious illness or a death. Citizens must still obey the laws of the country they are in.
Where to check: Part 2: Ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
51.How does Our Common Bond describe paying tax?
- · As voluntary for citizens
- · As only for business owners
- · As only for people on high incomes
- ✓ As required by law and a direct contribution to the community
Tax is a legal obligation and one of the most direct ways people contribute to the community. It funds services such as healthcare, education, defence, roads and social security.
Where to check: Part 2: Participating in Australian society
Part 2: Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
51
questions here, 229 in the whole bank. Open one to see the answer and where to check it in Our Common Bond.
Questions adapted from Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0, by Radif Partners.
Questions, dates and fees by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · How questions and dates are built
The structure of Part 2
Part 2 reads like a charter. Each heading is a principle, followed by one or two paragraphs of explanation and an example. Questions on it rarely ask for a date or a number; they ask you to recognise the principle behind a situation. That is why this part is best learned by restating each heading in your own words, and why it overlaps so much with the values part at the end of the booklet.
| Block | Headings in the booklet | Detailed page |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic beliefs | parliamentary democracy; Rule of Law; living peacefully; respect for all individuals | Part 3 for how democracy works |
| Freedoms | speech and expression; association; religion | Rights and liberties |
| Equalities | gender equality; equal opportunity and a fair go | Rights and liberties |
| What you give | obey the law; vote; defend Australia; jury service | Responsibilities of citizens |
| What you receive | vote; children by descent; public service and Defence jobs; stand for parliament; passport; consular help | Responsibilities of citizens |
| Taking part | community life, volunteering, paying tax | Responsibilities of citizens |
The four beliefs in plain words
Parliamentary democracy: the government's power comes from citizens, who elect representatives, and those representatives must answer to voters at elections. Rule of Law: nobody is above the law, including leaders in government, religion, business and the police. Living peacefully: change happens through discussion, persuasion and the democratic process, and violence is rejected as a way to change a mind or a law. Respect for all: everyone has rights and equality under the law and is treated with dignity, whatever their race, origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, culture, politics, wealth or religion.
Freedoms with a common limit
All three freedoms are described the same way: a broad permission followed by the reminder that the law still applies. You may say and write what you think, join or refuse to join any lawful group, and follow any religion or none. Protests must be peaceful and must not hurt people or damage property. Where a religious practice conflicts with Australian law, the law wins. The government is secular and Australia has no official religion, even though its heritage is described as Judaeo-Christian and public holidays fall on Christian days.
Responsibilities and privileges: learn the two lists
This is the most testable section of Part 2 because it is a pair of lists. The four responsibilities are short enough to recite. The six privileges are easier to remember as a journey: you vote, you raise a family (a child born overseas can become a citizen by descent), you work (public service or Defence Force), you may serve (stand for parliament if aged 18 or over and not a dual citizen), and you travel (passport, free re-entry and help from an embassy, high commission or consulate abroad, while still obeying local laws).
Common confusions
- Jury service is a responsibility for citizens on the electoral roll; it is not a privilege you apply for.
- Voting is compulsory in federal, state and territory elections, but the booklet says it may not be in local elections in some states.
- Equality of opportunity is not equal income: a fair go means results should come from talent, work and effort, not wealth or background.
- Tax is paid on wages, business income and investments, and many goods and services are taxed too.
Revising Part 2 in one evening
Read pages 17 to 22 of the booklet once, then close it and write the headings from memory: four beliefs, three freedoms, two equalities, four responsibilities, six privileges. Check what you missed, practise the set above, and finish by reading Part 4, which takes the same ideas into everyday situations. Because Part 2 and Part 4 reinforce each other, an hour here also prepares you for the 5 values questions that every test contains.