Glossary
Anzac Day
25 April — commemorates Australians who served and died in wars.
Australia and its people
Australia Day
26 January — marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
Australia and its people
Canberra
National capital of Australia.
Australia and its people
Commonwealth of Australia
The federal nation formed in 1901 from six colonies.
Government and the law
Constitution
The highest law setting out how Australia is governed.
Government and the law
Democracy
Government by the people through voting and elected representatives.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Governor-General
Representative of the King in Australia.
Government and the law
House of Representatives
Lower house of federal Parliament; forms government.
Government and the law
Indigenous
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — first inhabitants of Australia.
Australia and its people
Jury service
Civic duty to help decide court cases when called.
Government and the law
Parliament
Makes federal laws; consists of the King, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Government and the law
Prime Minister
Leader of the Australian Government.
Government and the law
Rule of law
Everyone, including leaders, must obey the law.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Secular
Government does not favour one religion over others.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
Senate
Upper house of federal Parliament; reviews legislation.
Government and the law
A fair go
Australian idea that people deserve a reasonable chance to succeed.
Australian values
Citizenship Pledge
Commitment to Australia, its people, democratic beliefs, and laws.
Australian values
Compulsory voting
Enrolled citizens must vote in federal elections.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
High Court
Highest court in Australia.
Government and the law
Remembrance Day
11 November — end of World War I in 1918.
Australia and its people