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Difficulty: HardCommonwealth Coat of Arms

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is a significant national emblem used to identify the authority of the Australian Government and signify national unity. While the entire emblem contains various native elements, the central shield serves a specific symbolic purpose. Which of the following best describes what is represented within the central shield of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?

  1. The symbols of the six Australian states, representing their federation into one nationAnswer
  2. B
    The images of the kangaroo and the emu, representing the unique wildlife found across the continent
  3. C
    The Union Jack and the Commonwealth Star, reflecting the nation's historical heritage and political system

Answer

The symbols of the six Australian states, representing their federation into one nation
The correct answer is correct because the central shield of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms is specifically designed to contain the symbols (badges) of the six Australian states. This design serves to identify the authority of the Australian Government and represents the unity of the six states within the Commonwealth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific component of the emblem mentioned in the question.
The question asks about the 'central shield' of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms.
The Coat of Arms has multiple parts (shield, supporters, crest, background), and distinguishing between them is necessary for accuracy.
2
Recall the symbolic content of the shield as defined in official Australian citizenship materials.
The shield contains the badges of the six Australian states.
This configuration was chosen at Federation to symbolize that the Commonwealth is a union of these states.
3
Evaluate the options based on the distinction between the shield and other elements like the 'supporters' or the 'crest'.
The kangaroo and emu are supporters; the Commonwealth Star is the crest. Only the state symbols are inside the shield.
Detailed knowledge of the emblem's anatomy is required to avoid common misconceptions.

Key Concept

The composition and symbolism of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

Hints

1
Think about the difference between the animals standing outside the emblem and the symbols located directly in the center.
2
The Coat of Arms represents 'national unity'. Which part of Australia's political geography needs to be united?
3
The shield contains six distinct sections, each representing one of the entities that joined together in 1901.

Practice More

Review the components of the Australian National Flag to ensure you can distinguish between the Commonwealth Star's placement on the flag versus the Coat of Arms.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Commonwealth Coat of Arms

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