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Question

Difficulty: HardEarly 20th Century Population

In 19011901, the first national census was conducted following the Federation of the Australian colonies into a single Commonwealth. While the official count was approximately 44 million people, the results were significantly influenced by the Australian Constitution of the time. According to the original 19011901 Constitution, how were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples treated in the reckoning of the national population?

  1. They were explicitly excluded from being counted as part of the total population of the Commonwealth.Answer
  2. B
    They were counted only for the specific purpose of determining how many seats each state would receive in the House of Representatives.
  3. C
    They were categorized as 'British Subjects' and counted alongside settlers to demonstrate the unity of the new Commonwealth.

Answer

The 19011901 Constitution explicitly excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from being counted as part of the total population of the Commonwealth.
The correct answer accurately reflects Section 127127 of the original 19011901 Australian Constitution, which mandated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not to be counted when determining the population of the Commonwealth or its states.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the 19011901 Census.
It was the first census of the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia.
The census was needed to establish the demographic baseline for the new nation.
2
Analyze the legal constraints imposed by the 19011901 Australian Constitution.
Section 127127 specifically addressed the counting of the population.
The Constitution defined how the 'numbers of the people' should be calculated for federal purposes.
3
Determine the specific wording regarding Indigenous Australians.
The Constitution stated that 'aboriginal natives shall not be counted'.
This legal exclusion meant the official figure of 44 million did not represent the true total population of the continent.

Key Concept

Constitutional exclusion of Indigenous Australians in the early 20th century

Hints

1
Think about how the original 19011901 Constitution viewed the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2
Consider that the official population figure of 44 million in 19011901 is often cited as being 'incomplete' due to a specific legal exclusion.

Practice More

Review the significance of the 19671967 Referendum to see how these census rules eventually changed.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Early 20th Century Population

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