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Difficulty: MediumCreation and Federation (1901)

The process of uniting the six separate colonies into one nation, known as Federation, was finalized on 1 January 1901. Before the Australian Constitution could be sent to the British Parliament for final approval, what did the people of the colonies have to do to show their support for the plan?

  1. Vote in a series of referendums to approve the ConstitutionAnswer
  2. B
    Elect the first Governor-General in a nationwide vote
  3. C
    Sign a treaty of independence to separate from the British Empire

Answer

The people of the colonies had to vote in a series of referendums to approve the Constitution.
The correct answer is that the people had to vote in referendums because the movement for Federation was based on democratic principles. For the colonies to unite, the majority of voters in those colonies had to formally agree to the proposed Australian Constitution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of Federation.
In the late 19th century, the six separate colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania) negotiated a plan to unite.
Understanding the starting point of separate colonial governance is essential.
2
Determine the mechanism for popular approval.
The draft Constitution was put to the voters in each colony through referendums.
Federation required the consent of the people, not just the politicians.
3
Connect the popular vote to the legal outcome.
Once the people voted 'Yes', the plan was sent to the British Parliament, leading to the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901.
This shows the sequence of events from democratic vote to legal establishment.

Key Concept

The democratic approval of the Australian Constitution through referendums.

Hints

1
Think about how changes to the Constitution are decided by the Australian people today.
2
The colonies were self-governing and democratic, so the change required a vote from the citizens.
3
The process involved a series of 'Yes' or 'No' votes known as referendums held between 1898 and 1900.

Practice More

Review how the Constitution can be changed today using the same referendum process.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Creation and Federation (1901)

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