How did the general public show support for Federation?

Thank you for your thoughtful question, Madeleine! The general public showed their support for Federation by joining Federation clubs, writing newspaper articles calling for the Australian colonies to join together and voting for it at a series of referendums on the draft bill to create the Commonwealth of Australia. 

A black and white photograph of people standing outside a polling place.

People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.

State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589

People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899.

A black and white photograph of people standing outside a polling place.

State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589

Description

A black and white photograph of a group of men, women and children (and a dog) gathered around the entrance of a low building. A sign reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'.