- 1. The Commonwealth of Australia was established on January 1, 1901, marking the culmination of efforts to unite the six separate British colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania into a single nation. This historic federation was the result of years of negotiation and compromise, driven by a desire for greater political stability, economic development, and national identity. The Australian Constitution, drafted during the Constitutional Conventions in the 1890s, provided a framework for the new government, delineating powers between the federal and state authorities. As a result, the Commonwealth was a unique blend of British traditions and local needs, establishing a parliamentary system that reflected both democracy and the desire for local governance. The establishment of the Commonwealth also symbolized a significant shift in the relationship between the colonies and the British Empire, allowing Australia to pursue its own legislative agenda while remaining a dominion within the Empire. This transformation set the stage for the growth of the nation in the 20th century, influencing its policies on immigration, trade, and international relations, and laying the groundwork for Australia’s development into a prosperous and diverse nation.
Which British Act of Parliament passed in 1900 paved the way for the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia?
A) British North America Act, 1867
B) The Statute of Westminster 1931
C) Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
D) Union with Ireland Act 1800
- 2. Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia following the establishment of the Commonwealth?
A) Edmund Barton
B) George Reid
C) Alfred Deakin
D) Joseph Cook
- 3. Who was the British monarch at the time of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia?
A) King Edward VII
B) Queen Elizabeth II
C) Queen Victoria
D) King George III
- 4. The Legislative power of the Commonwealth of Australia is vested in which body?
A) Prime Minister
B) Cabinet
C) Parliament
D) High Court
- 5. What are the official colors of Australia following its establishment?
A) Red and White
B) Green and Gold
C) Blue and Yellow
D) Black and Silver
- 6. The Commonwealth of Australia was established as a federation of how many states?
A) 10
B) 3
C) 4
D) 6
- 7. Who designed the Australian National Flag following the establishment of the Commonwealth?
A) Henry Parkes
B) Charles Perkins
C) Lachlan Macquarie
D) Ivor Evans
- 8. The official floral emblem of Australia established after 1912 is which flower?
A) Kangaroo Paw
B) Waratah
C) Sturt's Desert Pea
D) Golden Wattle
- 9. Which treaty was signed in 1902 following the establishment of the Australian Commonwealth?
A) North Atlantic Treaty
B) Anglo-Japanese Alliance
C) Treaty of Versailles
D) Treaty of Waitangi
- 10. The Coat of Arms of Australia was granted by King George V in which year?
A) 1912
B) 1923
C) 1901
D) 1937
- 11. The Australian national anthem 'Advance Australia Fair' was composed in which year?
A) 1912
B) 1967
C) 1945
D) 1878
- 12. Which of the following is NOT one of the federal capital cities of Australia established in the Constitution?
A) Brisbane
B) Sydney
C) Melbourne
D) Adelaide
- 13. Which Australian state was the last to join the Commonwealth?
A) Tasmania
B) South Australia
C) Western Australia
D) Northern Territory
- 14. Following the establishment of the Commonwealth, which political party won the first federal election in Australia?
A) Liberal Party
B) Protectionist Party
C) Labour Party
D) Country Party
- 15. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was established as the site of the future capital city following a gift of land by which state?
A) Victoria
B) New South Wales
C) Queensland
D) Tasmania
- 16. Who was the first Indigenous Australian elected to the Australian Parliament following the establishment of the Commonwealth?
A) Neville Bonner
B) Linda Burney
C) Nova Peris
D) Ken Wyatt
- 17. Which of the following was NOT one of the original six Australian states at the establishment of the Commonwealth?
A) Queensland
B) Northern Territory
C) New South Wales
D) Victoria
- 18. Who was the first Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia?
A) Dame Quentin Bryce
B) Lord Hopetoun
C) Lord Casey
D) Sir William Deane
- 19. Which city was chosen as the capital of Australia and designated as the seat of government?
A) Melbourne
B) Canberra
C) Brisbane
D) Sydney
- 20. Where was the first federal Parliament of Australia held?
A) Sydney
B) Canberra
C) Brisbane
D) Melbourne
- 21. Who was the leader of the Opposition in the first federal Parliament of Australia?
A) George Reid
B) Alfred Deakin
C) Andrew Fisher
D) Joseph Cook
- 22. In what year did the British Parliament pass the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act?
A) 1900
B) 1899
C) 1901
D) 1898
- 23. In what year did the Commonwealth Parliament pass the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act granting land rights to Indigenous Australians?
A) 1967
B) 1976
C) 1988
D) 1992
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