In a referendum to change the Australian Constitution, the final results show that of the total number of voters across Australia voted 'Yes'. At the state level, a majority of voters in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania voted 'Yes', while a majority of voters in New South Wales and Victoria voted 'No'. Based on the 'double majority' rule, what is the outcome of this referendum?
- The proposed change is unsuccessful because it failed to achieve a majority of 'Yes' votes from all voters across Australia.Answer
- BThe proposed change is successful because it was supported by a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states.
- CThe proposed change is successful because the vote in the four smaller states overrides the 'No' votes from the two more populous states.
Answer
The proposed change is unsuccessful because it failed to achieve a majority of 'Yes' votes from all voters across Australia.
The correct answer identifies that the referendum fails because the national majority requirement was not met. Under the 'double majority' rule defined in the Australian Constitution, a proposed change must receive a 'Yes' vote from more than of all voters nationwide, in addition to a majority of voters in at least four of the six states. While the four-state requirement was satisfied in this scenario, the national total means the first requirement was missed.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Double Majority Requirement
Hints
1
Recall that the 'double majority' means two different types of majorities must be achieved at the same time.
2
Check if the national total is more than AND if at least out of states voted 'Yes'.
Practice More
Review the specific role of territories in referendums, as they count toward the national majority but not toward the state-based majority.
Estimated Time:1m 30s