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Question

Difficulty: HardEarly 20th Century Population

Following the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia, the first national census in 19011901 was conducted under the new federal legal framework. Which of the following statements accurately describes how the population was officially defined and recorded during this early 20th20^{th}-century period?

  1. The official count was approximately 44 million people, mostly of British and Irish heritage, and it specifically excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as required by the Constitution.Answer
  2. B
    The census recorded a population of 44 million that was evenly distributed across the continent, with roughly equal numbers of people living in remote inland areas and the new coastal state capitals.
  3. C
    The official count included every person living on the continent to demonstrate the diversity of the new nation, which was already primarily composed of migrants from across Asia and Southern Europe.

Answer

The official count was approximately 4 million people, mostly of British and Irish heritage, and it specifically excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as required by the Constitution.
The correct statement accurately synthesizes three historical facts: the 19011901 census recorded about 44 million people, the population was overwhelmingly of British and Irish heritage, and the Constitution legally excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the official count.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the first national census.
The census took place in 19011901, the same year the Commonwealth of Australia was established through Federation.
Establishing the timing is essential to understand the legal and demographic conditions of the era.
2
Recall the recorded population figure and the heritage of the majority.
The census recorded approximately 44 million people, with roughly 90%90\% being of British or Irish descent.
This characterizes the demographic profile of the new nation at its inception.
3
Apply the constitutional legalities regarding Indigenous Australians at the time.
Under Section 127127 of the 19011901 Constitution, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not counted in the reckoning of the population.
This explains why the 'official' figure of 4 million did not represent every person living on the continent.

Key Concept

Demographics and Legal Exclusions of the 1901 Census

Hints

1
Consider who was legally included in the national count when the Commonwealth was first formed in 19011901.
2
Remember that the Constitution contained specific provisions about counting the population that were not changed until 19671967.

Practice More

Review the 19671967 Referendum to understand how the legal status and counting of Indigenous Australians changed later in the 20th20^{th} century.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Early 20th Century Population

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