Australia Government/Economics Test

1.

5 points

The leader of the Parliament in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom is called the

chairman

speaker

prime minister

president

2.

5 points

Australia and New Zealand are both full members of the

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

British Commonwealth of Nations (CN).

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

3.

5 points

The monarch of England is also the monarch of Australia. This makes her or him its head of state. In Australia, there has been debate on whether the monarch should

live in Australia for part of the year.

not be allowed to rule if she is female.

be given more power in government.

be replaced by a republic president.

4.

5 points

Which of the following would explain why Australia is close to a market economy?

The government provides free healthcare

You can get a business going in a few short weeks

The government sets a minimum wage at $10 an hour

They have a lot of government regulations

5.

5 points

Coalition governments occur when two or more political parties cooperate with each other to run a government. This usually happens when no parties have enough votes to win a majority themselves. Coalition governments are common in parliamentary systems like Australia. In fact, as of 2007, leadership in Australia is a coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Party.

Which of these is usually an effect of coalition politics?

The government is less likely to have many democratic elections.

The government is less likely to have third parties or minor parties.

The government is less likely to be controlled by only two parties.

The government is less likely to have a legislative or judicial branch.

6.

5 points

In both Australia and New Zealand, the prime minister controls the executive branch of government. How is the prime minister selected?

by being a compromise between the main parties.

by being the leader of Parliament's majority.

by being appointed by the queen of England.

by being elected by a majority of voters.

7.

5 points

What has been one result of Australia's investment in physical and human capital?

The GDP is decreasing

Australia has a high standard of living but a low GDP

The standard of living is declining

Australia's standard of living and GDP is among the highest in the world.

8.

5 points

Which of these is a characteristic of a free market economy?

fewer choices for the consumer.

high quality manufactured goods

less government interference

the supply of goods equaling demand.

9.

5 points

What role do citizens in Australia and New Zealand have in their governments?

They vote on most legislation

They elect the prime-minister

They elect the Governor-General

they elect members of parliament

10.

5 points

A command economy usually results in

fewer choices for the consumer

individual choice

high quality manufactured goods.

less government interference

11.

5 points

In which economic system are the production and distribution of goods owned by private individuals or corporations?

feudalism

traditional

command

market

12.

5 points

The monarch of England is the head of state of Australia, but she or he has little real power in Australia's government. The country's own parliament actually has the most power. Parliament, the prime minister, the governor-general, and the courts handle the country's affairs without any real consultation with the United Kingdom or the monarch.

Based on the above paragraph, the government of Australia can be described as

a constitutional monarchy

a socialist republic

a federal republic

an absolute monarchy

13.

5 points

In both Australia and New Zealand, the governor-general has a large amount of official authority, including the right to appoint many officials. Why is the governor-general not considered to be the most powerful position in either of these countries?

The governor-general's role is greatly controlled by the king or queen.

There are several governor-generals who manage to balance each other.

The governor-general's role is mostly ceremonial with little real power.

A new governor-general is elected each year, so each has little control.

14.

5 points

Australia's government power is divided between one central and several regional authorities. Name the type of government.

federal

autocratic

unitary

confederation

15.

5 points

Why do entrepreneurs like Australia?

There is little money to invest

There are many rules from the government

Workers have low skills

Courts protect property rights

16.

5 points

The mixed economy of Australia is becoming more of a market economy as fewer economic decisions are made by

the government

the military

private industry

workers

17.

5 points

Which of the following is NOT a part of the Australian government?

House of Representatives

High Court

the ministry

president

18.

5 points

- approves elections
- signs bills into law
- is commander-in-chief of the military
- act as head of state for Australia

What do the phrases above explain?

actions that are not a part of the Australian government

duties of the Australian prime minister for the Queen of England

duties of the Queen of Australia

actions taken by judges in the High Court of Australia

19.

5 points

In addition to investment in physical capital, what has helped Australia have a high GDP?

new factories and businesses

high tax rate

immigrants with low paying jobs

educated workers

20.

5 points

Use the information in the box below to answer this question.

In order to produce a good or a service, four factors of production are needed—natural resources (land), human resources (labor), capital resources (buildings and machinery), and entrepreneurship (organization).

A sixth-grade class decides to open a popcorn stand. The stand and the popcorn popper are examples of which factor of production?

human resources

natural resources

entrepreneurship

capital resources