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Commonwealth Constitution Overview

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Commonwealth Constitution Overview

Read the chapter guide, then complete the matching and written questions. Use the guide to help you check which part of the Constitution deals with each topic.

A guide to the Constitution's eight chapters

Chapter I — The Parliament: sets out the federal Parliament, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, and describes its law-making powers. Chapter II — The Executive Government: describes the executive, including the Governor-General and ministers. Chapter III — The Judicature: establishes the High Court and provides for federal courts and judicial power. Chapter IV — Finance and Trade: deals with Commonwealth finance and trade, including trade with other countries and among the States. Chapter V — The States: addresses the States and their place in the federal system, including their continuing constitutions. Chapter VI — New States: provides for the creation or admission of States and changes involving State boundaries. Chapter VII — Miscellaneous: contains other provisions, including provisions about the public service and the seat of government. Chapter VIII — Alteration of the Constitution: sets out how a constitutional change can be put to a referendum.

Match each chapter to its subject

Write the letter of the chapter beside the matching description.

Check your understanding

Answer each question using the chapter guide and your knowledge of Australia's federal system.

1.Which chapter would you consult to find information about the High Court? Give the chapter number and its title.

2.Why does Australia's Constitution share governing responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the States? Give one reason.

3.A student is researching the federal Parliament's powers to make laws. Which chapter should they start with?

Chapter I
Chapter III
Chapter VI
Chapter VIII

4.Which two topics are covered by Chapter IV, Finance and Trade?

Federal revenue and trade
The High Court and federal judges
Creating States and changing their boundaries
The Governor-General and ministers

5.In broad terms, what must happen for a proposed change to the Australian Constitution to be considered under Chapter VIII?

6.A school radio team is preparing a segment about who carries out government decisions. Which chapter should the team read, and name one role discussed in it.

7.Which chapter is most relevant to a proposal to admit a new State to the Commonwealth?

8.Name one subject, other than the High Court, that belongs in Chapter III.