Australian Referendum Process

Name:

Date:

Australian Constitution and referendum process illustration

📚 Part 1: Understanding Section 128 and the Referendum Process

1. What is Section 128 of the Australian Constitution?

The section that establishes the High Court

The section that outlines how to change the Constitution

The section that defines citizenship rights

The section that creates the Senate

2. What is the "double majority" requirement for a successful referendum?

A majority of voters in two major cities

A majority of voters nationwide AND a majority of states

Two-thirds of all voters nationwide

A majority of voters in both houses of Parliament

3. Which organisation manages and conducts referendums in Australia?

The _________________________ (AEC)

4. Complete the referendum process flowchart by filling in the missing steps:

Step 1: Parliament proposes constitutional change

Step 2: _________________________________

Step 3: Public education campaign period

Step 4: _________________________________

Step 5: Votes counted and double majority assessed

Step 6: _________________________________

📖 Part 2: Case Study - 1967 Aboriginal Referendum

5. The 1967 referendum was significant because it:

Allowed Aboriginal people to be counted in the census

Gave the Commonwealth power to make laws for Aboriginal people

Granted Aboriginal people the right to vote

Established native title rights

6. What was the voter support percentage for the 1967 referendum?

51%

67%

78%

Over 90%

7. Explain why the 1967 referendum was important for Aboriginal rights and Australian law-making:

✏️ Part 3: Critical Analysis and Application

8. List two advantages and two disadvantages of using referendums for constitutional change:

Advantages:

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

Disadvantages:

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

9. Design your own referendum question on a current constitutional issue. Your question must be clear and answerable with Yes/No:

Proposed referendum question:

Explain why this issue requires constitutional change:

10. Reflection: "Referendums are essential for democracy in Australia." Do you agree or disagree? Provide two reasons to support your view:

Australian Referendum Process

Australian Referendum Process

📚 Part 1: Understanding Section 128 and the Referendum Process

📖 Part 2: Case Study - 1967 Aboriginal Referendum

✏️ Part 3: Critical Analysis and Application

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