Which statement about the Australian referendum process is correct?

Which statement about the Australian referendum process is correct?

• A. Requires a nationwide majority only.
• B. Requires a majority of states only.
• C. Requires a nationwide majority and a majority of states, but not necessarily four states.
• D. Requires a nationwide majority and a majority of states, with at least four states in favour.

Answer: (D)

In Australia, changing the Constitution needs a double majority: a nationwide majority of voters across the country, and a majority of states. The state majority means at least four of the six states must vote yes. So the statement that matches both parts—nationwide support and a majority of states, with at least four states in favour—is correct. The other ideas miss part of the requirement: one only mentions nationwide support, another only mentions states, and the one that says “majority of states” without clarifying four states could be misinterpreted. This double-majority rule comes from how constitutional changes are approved.

In Australia, changing the Constitution needs a double majority: a nationwide majority of voters across the country, and a majority of states. The state majority means at least four of the six states must vote yes. So the statement that matches both parts—nationwide support and a majority of states, with at least four states in favour—is correct. The other ideas miss part of the requirement: one only mentions nationwide support, another only mentions states, and the one that says “majority of states” without clarifying four states could be misinterpreted. This double-majority rule comes from how constitutional changes are approved.