Two neighbors, one an Australian citizen and the other a permanent resident, are discussing an upcoming federal election and a referendum to change the Australian Constitution. Which statement accurately describes their eligibility to exercise these privileges of citizenship?
- Only the neighbor who is an Australian citizen has the privilege to vote in both the federal election and the referendum.Answer
- BBoth neighbors have the privilege to vote in the federal election, but only the Australian citizen can participate in the referendum.
- CThe permanent resident can vote in the election and the referendum if they have lived in their current electorate for more than six months.
Answer
The correct answer is that only the neighbor who is an Australian citizen has the privilege to vote in both the federal election and the referendum.
The correct answer states that only the Australian citizen can vote because, in Australia, the privilege to participate in the democratic process through voting in federal elections and referendums is reserved exclusively for citizens who are 18 years of age or older. Permanent residents are not entitled to these specific privileges regardless of how long they have lived in an electorate.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Privileges of Australian Citizenship: Voting
Hints
1
Think about which group of people has the unique right to help choose the government and change the Constitution.
2
Is voting a privilege for everyone living in Australia, or just for those who have made a formal commitment to the country as citizens?
3
Only Australian citizens aged 18 or over are allowed to vote in federal and state elections and referendums.
Practice More
Review the other privileges of citizenship, such as seeking election to parliament and applying for an Australian passport.
Estimated Time:45s