Democracy and Australian Museum of Democracy Quiz

The History of Democracy and Universal Suffrage in Australia

• Democracy originated from ancient Greece, combining the words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power or rule).
• Ancient Greece and later Rome experimented with early forms of democracy, allowing citizens to vote on laws and voice their opinions.
• The Magna Carta in England in 1215 marked a shift toward more balanced power, limiting the authority of kings and queens and granting some power to the people.
• In the 18th century, America declared itself a democracy, and democracies of different types emerged worldwide.
• Australia is a constitutional and representative democracy, governed by a constitution and elected representatives.
• Elected representatives, such as politicians, advocate for the people in parliament, representing their voices and interests.
• India is the world's biggest democracy, while Australia transitioned to universal suffrage less than a century ago.
• Australia's democratic journey began with limited rights for convicts in the late 1700s and gradually expanded to include more citizens.
• South Australia was the first colony to grant men the right to vote in 1840, but it was limited to wealthy landowners.
• The Eureka Rebellion in 1854 and the suffragette movement in the late 19th century were pivotal in expanding voting rights to more citizens.
• Despite progress, indigenous Australians were not guaranteed the right to vote until 1962, and universal suffrage for all citizens over 18 is now compulsory.
• Australia has had 19 referendums proposing 44 changes to the constitution since 1901, with only eight changes being agreed upon.

Australian Museum of Democracy and Old Parliament House Tour

• The Australian Museum of Democracy aims to explore Australia's democratic journey.
• The museum is housed in the Old Parliament House, which was built in 1927 and served as the seat of parliament for 61 years until 1988.
• Historical moments at the Old Parliament House include the first female senator, the first female member of the house of representatives, and the first indigenous senator, Neville Bonner.
• The Old Parliament House features the House of Representatives and the Senate, where significant debates and decisions took place.
• The museum offers guided tours that bring the historical spaces to life, with a focus on key political figures and events.
• The Speaker's chair in the House of Representatives is a replica of the one in the British Parliament, given as a gift in 1927.
• The press gallery, including the ABC, was an integral part of the Old Parliament House, with a broadcasting booth built into the chamber.
• The museum aims to educate over 90,000 students annually, allowing them to sit in the chamber and experience the history for themselves.
• The museum hosts exhibitions on democracy, including significant protests from Australian history and the Yes vote for marriage equality.
• The museum's democracy workshop space emphasizes the importance of people power and encourages students to consider how they can make a difference in their daily lives.
• The Old Parliament House was opened in 1927, not in 1907 or 1987, and it played a crucial role in shaping Australia's democracy.
• The overall focus of the Australian Museum of Democracy is to showcase the significance of historical events and figures in shaping Australia's democratic values and traditions.

"History of Democracy and Australian Museum of Democracy Tour" Quiz Test your knowledge of democracy's origins, development, and universal suffrage in Australia. Learn about key moments in Australia's democratic journey and the historical significance of the Old Parliament House at the Australian Museum of Democracy.