Australian Citizenship Quiz
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Government and the law in Australia

The Australian Constitution

Short answer

The Australian Constitution is Australia's founding legal document. It sets out the basic rules for governing the country, including Parliament, government powers and how constitutional change must be approved.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19

Australia's founding rules

The Constitution came into effect when Australia federated in 1901. It sets out the framework for the national system of government rather than listing every ordinary law that Parliament can make.

Government power has a framework

The Constitution establishes Parliament and divides important powers within government. It helps explain why national institutions have defined roles and why states remain part of the Australian system.

Changing the Constitution

The Constitution can be changed only through a referendum with a double majority. This is more demanding than passing an ordinary Bill because constitutional change affects the country's foundational rules.

Key facts

  • The Constitution is Australia's founding legal document.
  • It came into effect with federation in 1901.
  • It establishes the framework for national government.
  • A referendum with a double majority is required for constitutional change.

Common mistakes

  • Calling every law in Australia part of the Constitution.
  • Thinking Parliament can change the Constitution by an ordinary vote alone.
  • Confusing federation with a referendum.

Important vocabulary

Constitution
The foundational legal rules of a country.
Example: The Constitution sets out Australia's system of government.
referendum
A national vote on a constitutional proposal.
Example: Constitutional change requires a referendum.
double majority
A majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in a majority of states.
Example: A successful constitutional referendum needs a double majority.

Practice questions

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Practice by topic
Question 1
On what date did the Australian colonies unite as a federation?
Question 2
What is the Australian Constitution?
Question 3
What is required to change the Australian Constitution in a referendum?
Separation of Powers in Australia Australia separates legislative, executive and judicial power so that making laws, putting laws into action and deciding legal disputes are not all controlled by the same body. Australian Federation Australian federation happened on 1 January 1901, when six British colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia while keeping their own state governments. Australian Parliament The Australian Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House represents electorates, while the Senate is the House of Review and represents states equally.

Official sources