Part 2: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties – practice questions

Updated 12 October 2026

Part 2 of Our Common Bond is about the beliefs that Australia’s democracy is built on, and the rights and duties that come with citizenship. It covers parliamentary democracy and the Rule of Law; freedom of speech, association and religion; equality of men and women; the “fair go”; and the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizens.

Below are 10 sample questions from our practice tests, with answers and explanations. They are a taste of the topic, not a full test. To practise under test conditions, start a full practice test at the end of this page.

10 sample questions on Part 2

1. In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?

  1. The King, who chooses the government
  2. The Australian people, who vote for representatives
  3. The public service
Show answer
Answer: B. The Australian people, who vote for representatives
Why: Parliamentary democracy means the power of the government comes from the Australian people. Australians vote for people to represent them in parliament, and those representatives must answer to the people through elections.

2. What does the 'Rule of Law' mean?

  1. All Australians are equal under the law and no person or group is above the law
  2. The government can change any law without parliament
  3. Judges make all of Australia's laws
Show answer
Answer: A. All Australians are equal under the law and no person or group is above the law
Why: Under the Rule of Law, all Australians are equal under the law and no person, group or religious rule is above the law. Everyone, including government leaders and the police, must obey Australian laws.

3. Under freedom of speech in Australia, which of these are people free to do?

  1. Encourage others to break the law
  2. Make false allegations about other people
  3. Criticise the government and protest peacefully against government decisions, within the law
Show answer
Answer: C. Criticise the government and protest peacefully against government decisions, within the law
Why: Freedom of speech means people can say and write what they think and can criticise the government, protest peacefully and campaign to change laws. However, it is illegal to make false allegations, encourage others to break the law, or promote violence.

4. What is freedom of association?

  1. The right to join only government-approved groups
  2. The freedom to join or leave any legal organisation voluntarily
  3. A requirement to join a political party
Show answer
Answer: B. The freedom to join or leave any legal organisation voluntarily
Why: Freedom of association means people are free to join any legal organisation, such as a political party, trade union, or religious, cultural or social group, and cannot be forced to join one. Gatherings and protests must be peaceful and lawful.

5. Does Australia have an official national religion?

  1. No, Australia has a secular government with no official national religion
  2. Yes, Christianity is the official religion
  3. Yes, but only in some states
Show answer
Answer: A. No, Australia has a secular government with no official national religion
Why: The government in Australia is secular, which means it operates separately from churches or other religious entities. Australia has no official national religion, and people are free to follow any religion or no religion.

6. If an Australian law conflicts with a religious practice, which prevails?

  1. The religious practice prevails
  2. A court decides case by case which one applies
  3. Australian law prevails
Show answer
Answer: C. Australian law prevails
Why: Where there is a conflict between an Australian law and a religious practice, Australian law prevails. Religious laws have no legal status in Australia.

7. Do men and women have equal rights in Australia?

  1. No, men have more legal rights
  2. Yes, men and women have equal rights, and gender discrimination is against the law
  3. Only in the workplace
Show answer
Answer: B. Yes, men and women have equal rights, and gender discrimination is against the law
Why: Men and women have equal rights in Australia. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their gender. Both have equal access to education and employment, can vote, stand for parliament, join the Defence Force and police, and are treated equally in courts.

8. What does a 'fair go' mean in Australia?

  1. Everyone deserves equal opportunity, and achievement should come from hard work and talents, not class, gender, wealth or ethnicity
  2. Everyone receives the same wage
  3. The government gives everyone a job
Show answer
Answer: A. Everyone deserves equal opportunity, and achievement should come from hard work and talents, not class, gender, wealth or ethnicity
Why: Australians value equality of opportunity: everyone deserves a 'fair go' and people should not be limited by class distinction. What someone achieves should be a result of their hard work and talents; a person should get a job based on their skills and experience, not because of their gender, wealth or ethnicity.

9. Which of the following is a responsibility of Australian citizens?

  1. Carry a passport at all times
  2. Have a paid job
  3. Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
Show answer
Answer: C. Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
Why: Voting in federal and state or territory elections and in referendums is one of the four responsibilities of citizens, along with obeying the law, defending Australia should the need arise, and serving on a jury if called.

10. Which of the following is a privilege of Australian citizenship?

  1. Free housing from the government
  2. Applying for an Australian passport and re-entering Australia freely
  3. Exemption from Australian laws while overseas
Show answer
Answer: B. Applying for an Australian passport and re-entering Australia freely
Why: Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely. Other privileges include voting, seeking election to parliament, applying for Australian Public Service or Defence Force jobs, registering children born overseas as citizens by descent, and asking for consular assistance overseas.

Key terms in Part 2

Parliamentary democracy
The people elect representatives to parliament. The power of the government comes from the people.
Rule of Law
Everyone is equal under the law, and no person or group is above it, including government leaders and the police.
Freedom of speech
People can say and write what they think, criticise the government and protest peacefully, within the law.
Freedom of association
People can join or leave any legal group, by their own choice.
Freedom of religion and secular government
People can follow any religion, or none. Australia has no official national religion, and Australian law comes before any religious law.
Equality
Men and women have equal rights. Discrimination because of gender is against the law.
A fair go
Everyone deserves an equal chance. What you achieve should come from hard work and talent, not class, gender, wealth or ethnicity.
Responsibilities of citizens
Obey the law, vote in elections and referendums, defend Australia if needed, and serve on a jury if called.
Privileges of citizenship
For example: voting, applying for an Australian passport, asking for consular help overseas, and seeking election to parliament.

Read Part 2, “Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties”, in full in the free testable booklet from Home Affairs (PDF). Then try the other parts: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4 (values).

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