Parliamentary democracy
4 min · 14 practice questions · values questions
As an Australian value, parliamentary democracy means Australia's laws are made by parliaments elected by the people, and the power of the government comes from the Australian people. Citizens are involved in how Australia is governed: they vote for representatives, and voting is compulsory, which shows how important taking part in elections is.
This topic is also part of Part 2, Democratic beliefs and rights. The test can ask about it from either angle.
What Our Common Bond says
- Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy.
- Australia's laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people.
- The power of the Australian government comes from the Australian people, and citizens are involved in how Australia is governed.
- Citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.
- Voting is compulsory in Australia, showing the importance of participating in elections.
Common mistakes
- Thinking government power comes from parties, the Prime Minister or another country rather than the people.
- Believing voting is optional — it is compulsory.
- Assuming citizens have no role in government between elections.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 36 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 14Values question
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked