Referenda
3 min · 11 practice questions
A referendum is how the Australian people vote to change the Constitution. Changing the Constitution requires a double majority: a majority of voters across the nation, and a majority of voters in a majority of states. In the 1967 Referendum, more than 90 per cent of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census.
What Our Common Bond says
- A referendum requires a double majority for the Constitution to be changed.
- A double majority means a majority of voters across the nation AND a majority of voters in a majority of states.
- In the 1967 Referendum, more than 90 per cent of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a simple national majority is enough — a double majority is required.
- Confusing 'a majority of states' with 'every state' — most states, not all.
- Misremembering the 1967 result as close or rejected — it passed with more than 90 per cent 'Yes'.
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 11
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked