Key Vocabulary
Review important English words from the Australian citizenship test.
54 words
- High
citizen
A person who is a legal member of a country.
An Australian citizen has the right to vote in elections.
Responsibilities of citizens · Australian Values - High
citizenship
The status of being a citizen of a country.
Citizenship gives you both rights and responsibilities.
Responsibilities of citizens · Australian Values - High
pledge
A formal promise.
New citizens make a pledge of loyalty to Australia.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
loyalty
Being faithful and supportive to a country or person.
Citizens promise their loyalty to Australia.
Australian values · Australian Values - Medium
allegiance
Loyalty given to a country or leader.
The pledge expresses allegiance to Australia.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
right
Something you are allowed to do or have by law.
Every Australian has the right to a fair trial.
Australian values · Part 2 - High
liberty
Freedom from unfair control.
Liberty is a core Australian value.
Australian values · Part 2 - High
freedom
The ability to act or speak without being stopped.
Australia protects freedom of speech and religion.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - Medium
privilege
A special benefit given to some people.
Voting is both a right and a privilege.
Responsibilities of citizens · Part 2 - High
responsibility
A duty you must do.
Obeying the law is a responsibility of every citizen.
Responsibilities of citizens · Australian Values - High
obey
To follow rules or orders.
Citizens must obey Australian laws.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - High
law
Rules made by government that everyone must follow.
All Australians are equal under the law.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - High
rule of law
The idea that everyone, including leaders, must follow the law.
Australia is built on the rule of law.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - High
democratic
Based on the idea that people choose their leaders.
Australia is a democratic country.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 2 - Medium
belief
Something you think is true or important.
Equality is one of Australia's core beliefs.
Australian values · Part 2 - High
parliament
The group of elected people who make laws.
The Australian Parliament makes federal laws.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - High
parliamentary democracy
A system where people elect representatives to a parliament.
Australia is a parliamentary democracy.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - High
representative
A person chosen to speak or act for others.
Members of Parliament are our elected representatives.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - High
election
An event where people vote to choose leaders.
Federal elections are held every three years.
Voting and referendums · Part 3 - High
vote
To formally choose a person or option.
All citizens aged 18 and over must vote.
Voting and referendums · Part 3 - High
referendum
A vote by the people to change the Constitution.
Changes to the Constitution require a referendum.
Voting and referendums · Part 3 - High
Constitution
The main set of rules for how Australia is governed.
The Constitution sets out the powers of government.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - High
government
The group that runs the country.
The federal government runs national matters.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - Medium
federal
About the national government of Australia.
Federal laws apply across the whole country.
States and territories · Part 3 - High
state
One of the main regions of Australia (e.g. NSW, Victoria).
Each state has its own parliament.
States and territories · Part 3 - Medium
territory
A region governed by the federal government.
The ACT is a territory, not a state.
States and territories · Part 3 - Medium
court
A place where legal cases are decided.
Courts decide if a person has broken the law.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - Medium
High Court
Australia's most senior court.
The High Court interprets the Constitution.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - Medium
police
Officers who enforce the law.
The police protect the community and enforce laws.
Rule of Law · Part 3 - Medium
jury
A group of citizens who decide a court case.
Serving on a jury is a responsibility of citizens.
Responsibilities of citizens · Part 3 - High
Australian values
Shared beliefs that guide life in Australia.
Respect for others is part of Australian values.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
equality
Everyone is treated the same.
Equality before the law is a key Australian value.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
equal opportunity
Everyone gets the same chance to succeed.
Australia supports equal opportunity for all.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
fair go
An Australian phrase meaning everyone deserves a fair chance.
Australians believe in a fair go for everyone.
Australian values · Australian Values - Medium
dignity
The right to be treated with respect.
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
respect
Treating people with care and politeness.
Mutual respect is essential in a diverse society.
Australian values · Australian Values - High
secular
Not connected to any religion.
Australia has a secular government.
Freedom of religion · Part 2 - High
religion
A system of belief and worship.
People in Australia can follow any religion.
Freedom of religion · Part 2 - Medium
association
Joining or forming groups freely.
Freedom of association lets people form clubs and unions.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - High
speech
Expressing ideas in words.
Freedom of speech is protected within the law.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - Medium
expression
Showing thoughts or feelings.
Freedom of expression allows peaceful protest.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - Medium
peaceful
Without violence.
Citizens can hold peaceful protests.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - Medium
protest
To publicly show disagreement.
Peaceful protest is a democratic right.
Freedom of speech · Part 2 - High
Indigenous
Belonging to the original people of a land.
Indigenous Australians have the world's oldest living cultures.
Indigenous Australians · Part 1 - High
Aboriginal
Relating to the first people of mainland Australia.
Aboriginal peoples have lived here for tens of thousands of years.
Indigenous Australians · Part 1 - High
Torres Strait Islander
People from the islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's First Peoples.
Indigenous Australians · Part 1 - High
traditional owners
The original Indigenous people of a region.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land.
Indigenous Australians · Part 1 - Medium
colony
An area ruled by another country.
Australia began as a group of British colonies.
Australian history · Part 1 - High
federation
When separate states joined to form one country.
Federation took place on 1 January 1901.
Australian history · Part 1 - High
national anthem
The official song of a country.
'Advance Australia Fair' is Australia's national anthem.
National symbols · Part 1 - High
national flag
The official flag of a country.
The Australian national flag has the Union Jack and the Southern Cross.
National symbols · Part 1 - Medium
Commonwealth
The official name of the union of Australian states.
Australia's full name is the Commonwealth of Australia.
Parliamentary democracy · Part 3 - Medium
defence
Protecting the country from harm.
Defending Australia is a responsibility of citizens when needed.
Responsibilities of citizens · Australian Values - Low
consular assistance
Help from Australian officials when you are overseas.
Citizens may seek consular assistance abroad.
Responsibilities of citizens · Part 3