Changing the Constitution: Referendums

13 questions

The Australian Parliament identifies a need to update a section of the Australian Constitution to include new protections for personal privacy. Even if every member of both the House of Representatives and the Senate supports the amendment, the Parliament cannot change the Constitution on its own. What must happen for this proposed change to officially become law?

The proposal must be approved in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and a national majority of voters.

The proposal must be approved in a referendum where a simple majority of all Australian voters is the only requirement for success.

The proposal must be approved by the public in a vote where participation is optional for citizens who are not interested in the change.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The proposal must be approved in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and a national majority of voters.

Answer

The proposal must be approved in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and a national majority of voters.

For any change to the Australian Constitution to become law, it must pass a referendum with a 'double majority'. This means the amendment must be supported by a majority of voters across the whole of Australia (the national majority) and a majority of voters in a majority of states (at least four out of the six states).

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the type of law being changed.

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law of Australia.

The Constitution has a unique and strict process for amendments compared to regular laws.

Determine the required process for changing the Constitution.

A referendum must be held.

The Constitution can only be changed by the Australian people through a referendum vote.

Apply the 'double majority' rule to find the success criteria.

Success requires a majority of voters nationwide AND a majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 states.

This 'double majority' ensures that both the majority of the population and the majority of states support the change.

Key Concept

The Double Majority Requirement for Constitutional Change

Hints

Think about whether the Australian Constitution can be changed by Parliament alone or if it needs the people's input.

Recall the special name for the two-part majority required for a referendum to be successful.

The 'double majority' requires a majority of voters nationwide and a majority of voters in a majority of states (which is at least 4 out of 6).

Practice More

Review the history of Australian referendums to see how many have successfully met the double majority requirement.

Estimated Time:1m 15s

Question 2Question →

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law of the country and can only be changed through a special process called a referendum. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal requirements for a referendum in Australia?

Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens, and the change must be approved by a 'double majority' of voters.

The change only requires a simple majority of the total national vote to be successful and become law.

Voting is optional for all citizens, and the final decision is made by the Governor-General after the results are counted.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens, and the change must be approved by a 'double majority' of voters.

Answer

Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens, and the change must be approved by a 'double majority' of voters.

The correct answer is correct because it identifies both the compulsory nature of the vote for eligible citizens and the 'double majority' requirement (national majority plus a majority in at least four states) that is necessary to change the Constitution.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the participation requirement for a referendum.

Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens on the electoral roll.

Referendums are treated with the same legal obligation as federal elections in Australia.

Identify the criteria for a referendum to be successful.

A 'double majority' must be achieved.

The Constitution requires a majority of voters across the whole nation AND a majority of voters in a majority of states (at least 4 out of 6 states).

Key Concept

The referendum process is the only way to change the Australian Constitution, requiring compulsory participation and a double majority.

Hints

Think about whether voting in Australia is generally a choice or a requirement for citizens.

Recall that for the Constitution to change, the result must be fair to both the total population and the different states.

The term 'double majority' refers to two different types of majorities that must be reached at the same time.

Practice More

Review the specific '4 out of 6 states' rule to understand how the double majority protects smaller states.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 3Question →

A proposal is made to amend the Australian Constitution in a way that would diminish the proportionate representation of Western Australia in the Federal Parliament. In the subsequent referendum, the proposal receives a 'Yes' vote from $58\%$ of all Australians and wins a majority in every state except Western Australia. What is the status of this proposed amendment?

It fails because any amendment affecting a state's representation in Parliament requires a majority of voters in that specific state to agree.

It passes because it successfully met the 'double majority' requirement by winning a national majority and a majority in at least four states.

It passes because the national majority of

58\%

is high enough to override the objection of a single state under the 'Section 128' deadlock provisions.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It fails because any amendment affecting a state's representation in Parliament requires a majority of voters in that specific state to agree.

Answer

The amendment fails because changes affecting a specific state's representation in the Federal Parliament require the approval of a majority of voters in that specific state, regardless of the national result.

The correct answer is that the amendment fails. Under Section 128 of the Australian Constitution, any amendment that diminishes the proportionate representation of any state in either House of Parliament, or changes the limits of a state, requires not only a national majority and a majority of states but also the approval of a majority of voters in the state affected by the change.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the nature of the proposed amendment.

The amendment specifically targets the representation of Western Australia.

The Australian Constitution has different requirements depending on whether a change affects the whole nation or a specific state's rights.

Evaluate the 'double majority' requirement.

The proposal achieved a national majority (

58\%

) and a majority in 5 out of 6 states.

This meets the standard criteria for most constitutional changes.

Apply the specific exception found in the final paragraph of Section 128.

Because Western Australia voters rejected the change, the amendment cannot proceed.

The Constitution protects states from having their representation reduced without the consent of their own voters.

Key Concept

The Specific State Consent Requirement in Referendums

Hints

Recall if there are any special rules when an amendment only impacts one specific state.

Check Section 128. While a 'double majority' is usually enough, does the Constitution protect a state's representation from being changed against its will?

Even if 5 states and the whole country say 'Yes', if the change takes away a specific state's seats in Parliament, that specific state must also say 'Yes'.

Practice More

Research the 1906 and 1977 referendums to see how territory voters were integrated into the process.

Estimated Time:2m 0s

Question 4Question →

A proposal to amend the Australian Constitution is put to a referendum. The following table summarizes the voting results across the nation:

Region	Majority Vote Result
National Total	Yes ( $51.2\%$ )
New South Wales	Yes
Victoria	Yes
Queensland	Yes
South Australia	No
Western Australia	No
Tasmania	No
Australian Capital Territory	Yes ( $72\%$ )
Northern Territory	Yes ( $68\%$ )

Based on these results and the requirements set out in the Australian Constitution, what is the outcome for the proposed amendment?

The amendment fails because it did not achieve a 'Yes' vote in a majority of the states, despite achieving a national majority.

The amendment passes because it achieved a majority of the total national vote, which is the primary requirement for constitutional change.

The amendment passes because the combined 'Yes' votes from three states and two territories satisfy the requirement for a majority of Australian jurisdictions.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The amendment fails because it did not achieve a 'Yes' vote in a majority of the states, despite achieving a national majority.

Answer

The amendment fails because it did not achieve a 'Yes' vote in a majority of the states, despite achieving a national majority.

The correct answer identifies that the referendum fails. Under Section 128 of the Constitution, an amendment must receive a 'double majority': more than

50\%

of all voters nationwide AND a majority of voters in at least four of the six states. In this scenario, while the national majority (

51.2\%

) was met, only three states (New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland) voted 'Yes.' Since three is not a majority of the six states, the referendum fails. The high 'Yes' votes in the territories count toward the national total but do not help meet the state-majority requirement.

Step-by-Step Solution

Evaluate the first requirement of the 'double majority': the national majority.

The national 'Yes' vote is

51.2\%

, which is greater than

50\%

The first hurdle is for more than half of all Australian voters to approve the change.

Evaluate the second requirement: the majority of states.

There are 6 states in Australia. A majority is at least 4 states.

The Constitution requires a majority of voters in a majority of states (

4

out of

6

) to approve the change.

Determine which regions count as 'States' for the state-majority tally.

Only NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, and TAS are states. The ACT and NT are territories.

While territory residents vote in the national total, their jurisdictions do not count toward the 'majority of states' requirement.

Count the number of states that voted 'Yes'.

3 states (NSW, VIC, QLD) voted 'Yes'.

Since 3 is not a majority of 6, the second requirement of the double majority fails.

Key Concept

The Double Majority Requirement for Constitutional Change

Hints

Recall that a referendum requires a 'double majority' to pass. Check if both conditions were met in the table.

There are exactly six states in Australia. How many of those six must vote 'Yes' for the 'majority of states' requirement to be satisfied?

Residents of the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have their votes counted in the national total, but do they count as 'states' when calculating the majority of states?

Practice More

Review the 1977 Constitutional Referendum which allowed territory residents to vote in referendums for the first time.

Estimated Time:3m 0s

Question 5Question →

For a proposed amendment to the Australian Constitution to become law, it must be approved by the Australian people in a referendum. Which of the following describes a specific requirement for such a vote to be successful?

A 'double majority' must be reached, requiring a national majority of all voters plus a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states.

The change only requires a simple majority of more than 50% of the total number of voters across Australia.

Voting in a referendum is optional for all citizens, provided the proposal has already been passed by the Federal Parliament.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A 'double majority' must be reached, requiring a national majority of all voters plus a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states.

Answer

A 'double majority' must be reached, meaning a national majority of all voters across Australia and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states must agree to the change.

The correct answer identifies the 'double majority' requirement. Under Section 128 of the Australian Constitution, a proposed change must receive a 'Yes' vote from a majority of voters nationwide AND a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania).

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the process for changing the Australian Constitution.

The process is a referendum, which is a vote by the people.

The Constitution is the supreme law and cannot be changed by Parliament alone.

Define the 'double majority' requirement for a successful referendum.

The change must be approved by more than half of all voters nationwide AND more than half of the voters in at least four of the six states.

This dual requirement ensures that constitutional changes have broad support across the whole country and within individual states.

Key Concept

The 'Double Majority' requirement in Australian referendums.

Hints

Think about the two different groups of people who must agree for the Constitution to be changed.

The requirement is called a 'double majority'. One part is a national majority; what is the second part?

To succeed, the 'Yes' vote must win in at least four of the six Australian states, in addition to the national total.

Practice More

Review how the double majority requirement protects smaller states from being over-ruled by larger states during constitutional changes.

Estimated Time:1m 15s

Question 6Question →

The Australian Constitution provides the legal framework for the country's government and can only be updated through a specific process. If the Federal Parliament proposes an amendment to the Constitution, which of the following must occur for the change to be legally successful?

The Australian people must vote in a referendum, and the change must be supported by most voters across the country as well as most voters in most states.

The Federal Parliament must pass the change with a two-thirds majority in both houses, followed by the final approval of the Governor-General.

A public vote must be held where the total number of 'yes' votes from all Australians exceeds 50%, with no requirement for results in individual states.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The Australian people must vote in a referendum, and the change must be supported by most voters across the country as well as most voters in most states.

Answer

The proposed change must be approved by the Australian people in a referendum, meeting the requirement of most voters nationally and most voters in a majority of states.

Constitutional change in Australia requires a referendum that satisfies the 'double majority' rule. This means the change must be approved by more than half of the total voters across Australia, and also by more than half of the voters in at least four of the six states.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the unique requirement for constitutional change.

Standard laws are changed by Parliament, but the Constitution requires a 'referendum'—a vote by the people.

The Constitution is the supreme law and belongs to the people, not just the government.

Determine the legal threshold for a successful referendum.

The proposal must achieve a 'double majority'.

This ensures both the national population and the individual states agree to the change.

Define the components of a double majority.

A majority (more than 50%) of all voters nationwide AND a majority of voters in at least 4 out of 6 states.

This is the specific rule set out in Section 128 of the Australian Constitution.

Key Concept

The Referendum Process and the Double Majority Rule

Hints

Think about whether the government can change the supreme law of the land on its own, or if the people must be involved.

The process is called a 'referendum' and it has two different 'majority' requirements that must be met at the same time.

To pass, a change needs a 'double majority': more than half of the national voters AND more than half of the voters in at least four states.

Practice More

Review the history of Australian referendums to see how many have successfully met the double majority requirement compared to those that only achieved a national majority.

Estimated Time:1m 15s

Question 7Question →

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law of the country and can only be changed if the Australian people agree. For a proposed change to be successful, what specific voting result must be achieved in a referendum?

A majority of voters in a majority of states, as well as a majority of voters across the whole of Australia.

A simple national majority of more than 50% of all voters across Australia, regardless of which state they live in.

A majority vote from the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by the King's approval.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A majority of voters in a majority of states, as well as a majority of voters across the whole of Australia.

Answer

The correct answer is that a proposed change must receive a majority of 'yes' votes in a majority of states (at least four out of six) and a majority of 'yes' votes nationally.

The correct answer accurately describes the 'double majority' rule required by Section 128 of the Australian Constitution. This means a referendum only passes if it receives a 'yes' vote from a majority of voters across Australia (including territories) and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the requirement for changing the Constitution.

The Constitution can only be changed via a referendum, which is a vote by all eligible citizens.

This ensures the fundamental law cannot be changed by the government alone.

Determine the specific voting threshold needed for success.

The result must satisfy the 'double majority' rule.

This is a safeguard to protect the interests of both the national population and the individual states.

Define the components of the 'double majority'.

It requires a 'yes' vote from more than 50% of voters nationally AND more than 50% of voters in at least 4 out of the 6 states.

This prevents the most populous states from unfairly dominating the constitutional change process.

Key Concept

The Double Majority Requirement for Referendums

Hints

Think about the 'double' in 'double majority'. It means two different types of majorities must be met.

One majority is based on the total number of people in Australia, and the other is based on the states.

For a referendum to pass, more than half of all Australians must vote 'yes', and voters in at least four out of the six states must also provide a majority of 'yes' votes.

Practice More

Review the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the law-making process to distinguish it from constitutional changes.

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 8Question →

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law of the nation and cannot be changed by the Parliament alone. When a proposal to change the Constitution is made, it must be put to a vote of the people in a referendum. According to Australian law, who is required to vote in a referendum?

All eligible Australian citizens on the electoral roll

Only the members of the Federal and State Parliaments

Only citizens who volunteer to participate in the vote

Show answer & explanation

Answer: All eligible Australian citizens on the electoral roll

Answer

All eligible Australian citizens on the electoral roll must vote in a referendum.

The correct answer is correct because the Australian Constitution can only be changed if the people approve the change through a referendum, and participation in this vote is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens on the electoral roll.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the purpose of the vote

The vote is a referendum to change the Australian Constitution.

The Constitution is the supreme law and requires a special process for any changes.

Determine the legal requirement for voting in Australia

Voting is compulsory for eligible citizens.

Under Australian law, eligible citizens on the electoral roll are required by law to vote in both elections and referendums.

Key Concept

Compulsory voting in referendums

Hints

Think about whether voting in Australian federal elections is optional or mandatory.

The Constitution is the highest law, so the decision to change it involves the entire voting population, not just politicians.

Practice More

Review the 'double majority' requirement to understand how those votes are counted to pass a referendum.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 9Question →

The Australian Constitution can only be changed through a referendum, which involves a vote by the Australian people. For a proposed amendment to successfully change the Constitution, which of the following complete sets of conditions must be met?

The proposal must be approved by a majority of all voters across Australia and a majority of voters in a majority of states, then receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

The proposal must be approved by a majority of all voters nationwide and then be ratified by the High Court of Australia to ensure it is legally valid.

The proposal must be approved by a majority of voters in at least four states, after which it becomes law automatically without needing further official approval.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The proposal must be approved by a majority of all voters across Australia and a majority of voters in a majority of states, then receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

Answer

The correct answer states that the proposal must be approved by a majority of all voters nationwide, a majority of voters in a majority of states, and receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

The correct answer correctly identifies both components of the double majority (national and state-based) and recognizes the final, necessary step of Royal Assent by the Governor-General. This sequence ensures that the constitutional change reflects the clear will of the people across the entire federation and follows the established legal process for all Australian laws.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the primary mechanism for constitutional change.

A referendum must be held where all enrolled Australian citizens participate.

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law and can only be altered by the people, not by the Parliament alone.

Determine the required voting threshold for success.

A 'double majority' must be achieved: a national majority (more than

50\%

of all voters) AND a majority of voters in at least four out of the six states.

This requirement ensures that any change has both broad national support and support from a majority of the individual states.

Identify the final formal step in the enactment process.

The proposal is presented to the Governor-General for Royal Assent.

Like all federal legislation, a constitutional amendment requires the formal approval of the Crown to be officially enacted.

Key Concept

The multi-stage process of constitutional amendment requiring a double majority and Royal Assent.

Hints

Recall that a referendum requires two different types of majorities to pass.

Consider what happens after a bill is passed by the people but before it officially becomes law—who provides the final approval?

Practice More

Research the history of Australian referendums to see how many have failed due to the 'double majority' rule despite having a national majority.

Estimated Time:1m 30s

Question 10Question →

Suppose a referendum is held to change the Australian Constitution. While a majority of voters across the whole of Australia vote 'Yes', only three out of the six states have a majority of voters who agree to the change. What is the outcome of this referendum?

The proposed change is referred to the Governor-General, who makes the final decision based on the national majority.

The proposed change to the Constitution is rejected because a majority of voters in at least

4

states did not vote 'Yes'.

The proposed change to the Constitution is accepted because more than

50\%

of the total Australian population supported it.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The proposed change to the Constitution is rejected because a majority of voters in at least $4$ states did not vote 'Yes'.

Answer

The proposed change to the Constitution is rejected because it failed to achieve a majority of 'Yes' votes in at least four out of the six states.

For a referendum to succeed in Australia, it must achieve a 'double majority'. This means a majority of voters across the entire country must vote 'Yes', AND a majority of voters in a majority of states (at least

4

out of

6

states) must also vote 'Yes'. In this scenario, while the national majority was achieved, the state majority was not, as only

3

states voted in favor.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the national voting result from the scenario.

A majority of voters across Australia voted 'Yes'.

This satisfies the first part of the 'double majority' requirement.

Identify the state voting results from the scenario.

Only

3

out of

6

states had a majority of 'Yes' votes.

The second part of the 'double majority' rule requires at least

4

out of

6

states to agree.

Compare the scenario results to the constitutional requirements.

The state majority requirement was not met.

Since both parts of the 'double majority' were not satisfied, the referendum fails and the Constitution remains unchanged.

Key Concept

The Double Majority Requirement

Hints

Remember that changing the Constitution requires a very specific type of majority called a 'double majority'.

A 'double majority' means you need a 'Yes' from more than half of all Australians AND a 'Yes' from a majority of the

6

states.

Calculate how many states constitute a 'majority of states' out of the

6

Australian states. Does

3

meet that requirement?

Practice More

Review the history of Australian referendums to see how many have actually succeeded under the double majority rule.

Estimated Time:1m 15s

Question 11Question →

The Australian Constitution is the supreme law of Australia and provides the legal framework for the government. Because it is the foundation of our laws, it cannot be changed by the Federal Parliament alone. Who has the final authority to approve a proposed change to the Constitution?

The Australian people, by voting in a referendum

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet, through an executive decision

The High Court of Australia, by ruling that the change is necessary

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The Australian people, by voting in a referendum

Answer

The Australian people, by voting in a referendum

The Australian Constitution can only be changed through a referendum, which is a vote by all eligible Australian citizens. This ensures that the supreme law of the country cannot be altered by the government or parliament without the direct consent and majority approval of the people.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the nature of the Australian Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law and cannot be changed by ordinary parliamentary processes alone.

It provides the fundamental framework for government, requiring a more rigorous process for any amendments.

Determine the required mechanism for change

A referendum must be held.

Section 128 of the Constitution mandates that any change must be put to a vote of the people.

Identify who holds the final decision-making power

The Australian voters.

The change only becomes law if it receives a double majority from the voters in a referendum.

Key Concept

Constitutional Amendment through Referendum

Hints

Think about a special type of national vote where every citizen has a say.

The process is called a referendum.

Because the Constitution is the 'supreme law', the final decision belongs to the people, not just the politicians or judges.

Practice More

Review the 'Double Majority' requirement to see exactly what kind of majority is needed for a referendum to be successful.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 12Question →

An analysis of the results from a hypothetical Australian referendum yields the following data:

- National 'Yes' Vote: $53\%$
- State Results: Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania recorded a 'Yes' majority. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland recorded a 'No' majority.
- Territory Results: Both the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory recorded a 'Yes' majority.

Based on these results and the legal requirements for changing the Australian Constitution, what is the final outcome of the referendum?

The referendum fails because a 'Yes' majority was only achieved in three out of the six states.

The referendum passes because a national majority of

53\%

was achieved alongside a majority in five out of eight voting regions.

The referendum passes because the 'Yes' majority in the territories is added to the state count to reach the required majority.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The referendum fails because a 'Yes' majority was only achieved in three out of the six states.

Answer

The referendum fails because it did not achieve a majority of 'Yes' votes in at least four states, which is a core requirement of the double majority rule.

The correct answer identifies that the referendum fails because the 'double majority' requirement was not satisfied. To change the Constitution, a proposal needs a majority of 'Yes' votes across all of Australia (which was achieved at

53\%

) AND a majority of 'Yes' votes in at least four out of the six states. Since only three states (Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania) voted 'Yes', the second requirement was not met. Territories like the ACT and NT contribute to the national total but never count as states in the 4/6 state count.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the national vote result.

The national 'Yes' vote is

53\%

To satisfy the first part of the 'double majority' rule, more than

50\%

of all voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'.

Count the number of states that achieved a 'Yes' majority.

Three states (WA, SA, TAS) achieved a 'Yes' majority.

To satisfy the second part of the 'double majority' rule, at least four out of the six states must have a majority of 'Yes' votes.

Evaluate the impact of the territory results.

The 'Yes' majorities in the ACT and NT are counted in the national total but excluded from the state count.

Under Section 128 of the Constitution, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are not counted as 'states' for the state-majority requirement.

Determine the final outcome.

The referendum fails.

Although the national majority was met, the requirement for a majority in at least four states was not met (3/6).

Key Concept

The 'double majority' requirement for changing the Australian Constitution

Hints

Think about the 'double majority' rule. It requires two different types of majorities to be met simultaneously.

Check how many states (not territories) voted 'Yes'. How many states are there in total, and how many are needed for a majority?

Remember that while people in the ACT and NT are required to vote, their results only influence the national percentage, not the count of the six states.

Practice More

Review Section 128 of the Australian Constitution to see why territories are treated differently from states in referendums.

Estimated Time:1m 30s

Question 13Question →

According to Section 128 of the Australian Constitution, if the House of Representatives passes a proposed amendment twice but the Senate rejects it, the Governor-General may still put the proposal to a referendum. If the referendum is held, what specific conditions must be satisfied for the amendment to be officially enacted?

The amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in at least four out of six states, a national majority of all voters, and finally receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

The amendment only requires a national majority of more than

50\%

of all voters across Australia, as the proposal was already passed twice by the House of Representatives.

The amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in a majority of states and a national majority, at which point the change is automatically updated in the Constitution.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in at least four out of six states, a national majority of all voters, and finally receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

Answer

For a constitutional amendment to be enacted, it must achieve a double majority (a national majority of all voters plus a majority of voters in at least four out of six states) and receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

The correct answer identifies that even in a deadlock situation (where only one House passes the bill), the standard referendum requirements apply. This includes the 'double majority'—a national majority of all voters plus a majority of voters in a majority of states (4 out of 6). Furthermore, it correctly notes that the amendment must receive Royal Assent from the Governor-General to be officially enacted.

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the national vote result.

The total 'Yes' votes across all states and territories must exceed

50\%

of the total votes cast.

This fulfills the first half of the double majority requirement.

Calculate the state-by-state results.

At least four out of the six states (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS) must have a 'Yes' vote exceeding

50\%

This fulfills the second half of the double majority requirement. Note that territories do not count as 'states' for this specific step.

Submit the successful proposal for final approval.

The Governor-General provides Royal Assent on behalf of the King.

Under Section 128, a proposal that passes the referendum must be presented for Assent before it becomes law.

Key Concept

The rigorous process for amending the Constitution involves both the 'double majority' rule and the final executive approval via Royal Assent.

Hints

Think about whether a constitutional amendment is considered a type of law and what the final step is for any federal law in Australia.

Recall the 'double majority' rule. How many states must say 'Yes' for a change to occur?

Practice More

Research the 1967 Referendum to see how the double majority was achieved in practice.

Estimated Time:2m 0s

Changing the Constitution: Referendums

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