Australian Constitution
8 min · 30 practice questions
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900, also called the Australian Constitution, is the legal document that sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia. It was passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900 and came into effect on 1 January 1901, when the colonies became one independent nation. It established the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia (a House of Representatives and a Senate) and the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate power to apply and interpret Australia's laws. The Australian people can change the Constitution by voting in a referendum.
What Our Common Bond says
- The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 is also called the Australian Constitution.
- It sets out the basic rules for the government of Australia and came into effect on 1 January 1901.
- It was originally passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900.
- It established the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, made up of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
- It established the High Court of Australia, which has the ultimate power to apply and interpret Australia's laws.
- The Australian people can change the Constitution only by voting in a referendum.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Constitution can be changed by parliament alone — it takes a referendum.
- Confusing the date it was passed (1900) with the date it took effect (1 January 1901).
- Saying parliament has one chamber, or three — it has two: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 27 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 30
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked