AustriaDemokratie 31 · Democracy and the Republic's core principles
In which case must a referendum be held throughout Austria?
In the exam (German)
In welchem Fall muss in ganz Österreich eine Volksabstimmung stattfinden?
- aFor every tax increase by the federal governmentBei jeder Erhöhung einer Steuer durch den Bund
- bFor every amendment to a state constitutionBei jeder Änderung einer Landesverfassung
- cBefore every new election of the Federal PresidentVor jeder neuen Wahl des Bundespräsidenten
- dFor a total revision of the Federal ConstitutionBei einer Gesamtänderung der BundesverfassungCorrect answer
Why?
A total revision of the Federal Constitution (Gesamtänderung der Bundesverfassung) happens when a basic principle of the Constitution is substantially changed; a referendum (Volksabstimmung) is then mandatory, and its result is binding. For other laws, a referendum is held only if the National Council decides so or a share of its members demands it.
Translated with AI. In the exam the question is in German, as shown above.
Check yourself
Would you know these too?
The same number of questions and the same pass mark as the real test, marked at once. Your first mock is free and needs no account.
Take a free mock examDemokratie 32
In January 2013 a consultative referendum (Volksbefragung) on compulsory military service was held throughout Austria. What applies to a consultative referendum in general?Correct answer:It shows politicians what the population thinks, but its result is not legally binding.
Im Jänner 2013 gab es in ganz Österreich eine Volksbefragung über die Wehrpflicht. Was gilt allgemein für eine Volksbefragung? — Sie zeigt der Politik die Meinung der Bevölkerung, ihr Ergebnis ist aber rechtlich nicht bindend.
Demokratie 33
In the National Council election, the right to vote is "direct" (unmittelbar). What does that mean?Correct answer:Those entitled to vote elect the members of parliament directly, with no electors in between.
Bei der Nationalratswahl gilt das „unmittelbare“ Wahlrecht. Was heißt das? — Die Wahlberechtigten wählen die Abgeordneten direkt, ohne Wahlleute dazwischen.
Demokratie 34
Certain electoral principles apply to the National Council election. Which statements fit them?Correct answer:You fill in the ballot paper alone and unobserved in the voting booth.
Correct answer:Nobody may put pressure on you to vote for a particular party.
Correct answer:Every valid vote counts equally, no matter who casts it.
Für die Nationalratswahl gelten bestimmte Wahlrechtsgrundsätze. Welche Aussagen passen dazu? — Sie füllen den Stimmzettel allein und unbeobachtet in der Wahlzelle aus. · Niemand darf Sie unter Druck setzen, eine bestimmte Partei zu wählen. · Jede gültige Stimme zählt gleich viel, egal wer sie abgibt.
Demokratie 35
On the day of the National Council election, Ms M. is on holiday abroad and votes by post with a voting card (Wahlkarte). What is true?Correct answer:She must fill in the ballot paper herself and without influence, and confirm this with her signature.
Frau M. ist am Tag der Nationalratswahl auf Urlaub im Ausland und wählt mit einer Wahlkarte per Brief. Was stimmt? — Sie muss den Stimmzettel selbst und unbeeinflusst ausfüllen und das mit ihrer Unterschrift bestätigen.
Source
Our own practice questions on the content of the official learning material “Mein Österreich” and the federal states’ learning materials. They are not the real exam questions – those are not published – and we have not copied wording from the materials. Every question was answered a second time, independently, and checked against public sources. The English translation and the explanations were made with AI; in the exam the questions are asked in German. Not an official service: no connection with the Federal Ministry of the Interior or the offices of the state governments.
Official informationTry it under exam conditions.
The same number of questions and the same pass mark as the real test, marked at once. Your first mock is free and needs no account.
The pass €12.99 · 180 days of access for one payment — it never renews