australia's system of government
Like the United States, Australia has a written constitution. The Australian Constitution is a written document which tells the responsibilities of the federal government of Australia. This includes foreign relations, trade, defence, and immigration. Similiar to the United States, each state or territory of Australia has its own government which is responsible for all matters not assigned to the Commonwealth. Each state has a governor that represents the Queen.
Australia is one of the oldest democracies in the world. It was founded on the values of religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. The practices of the Australian government reflect the North American and British practices. The Commonwealth was founded in 1901 when the British colonies agreed to federate. These colonies are now the six states of Australia. Prior to this, the Australian colonies did not have many laws, or rules about the electoral process. There was no such thing as one vote per person, and bribery and intimidation was often use to turn the majority of votes toward one person or another.
In 1856, Queen Victoria introduced the secret ballot. A year later Australia got rid of the rule which stated that one's profession and property qualifications determined if they could or could not vote. Woman were not able to vote in an Australian election until 1892.
Like the United States, Australia's government is made up of The House Representatives and the Senate. Ministers from these both the House of Representatives, and the Senate have Cabinet meetings which are held in order to make important government decisions. These meetings are not disclosed. The only thing that the public would find out was the final decision.
A national general election must be held every three years. General elections are only held when athe Governor-General agrees to a request from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will then select a date for an election. All of the citizens of Australia that are over the age of 18 are required to vote. If they do not vote, they may be fined or prosecuted. Australia has four main political parties. The Australian Labor Party, The Liberal Party, The National Party of Australia, and The Australian Greens. Each of these parties has a different political view. The Australian Labor Party is a social democratic party. The Libral Party is favors a big government, whereas The Australian Greens believe that all people should be treated equally under the law and the government. The National Party is a conservative party.
Below you will find a maps which display the hierarchy of power within the Australian government, a summary of the political parties, and an outline of Australia's Constitution
click here to hear the Australian National Anthem
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=18569
Australia is one of the oldest democracies in the world. It was founded on the values of religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. The practices of the Australian government reflect the North American and British practices. The Commonwealth was founded in 1901 when the British colonies agreed to federate. These colonies are now the six states of Australia. Prior to this, the Australian colonies did not have many laws, or rules about the electoral process. There was no such thing as one vote per person, and bribery and intimidation was often use to turn the majority of votes toward one person or another.
In 1856, Queen Victoria introduced the secret ballot. A year later Australia got rid of the rule which stated that one's profession and property qualifications determined if they could or could not vote. Woman were not able to vote in an Australian election until 1892.
Like the United States, Australia's government is made up of The House Representatives and the Senate. Ministers from these both the House of Representatives, and the Senate have Cabinet meetings which are held in order to make important government decisions. These meetings are not disclosed. The only thing that the public would find out was the final decision.
A national general election must be held every three years. General elections are only held when athe Governor-General agrees to a request from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will then select a date for an election. All of the citizens of Australia that are over the age of 18 are required to vote. If they do not vote, they may be fined or prosecuted. Australia has four main political parties. The Australian Labor Party, The Liberal Party, The National Party of Australia, and The Australian Greens. Each of these parties has a different political view. The Australian Labor Party is a social democratic party. The Libral Party is favors a big government, whereas The Australian Greens believe that all people should be treated equally under the law and the government. The National Party is a conservative party.
Below you will find a maps which display the hierarchy of power within the Australian government, a summary of the political parties, and an outline of Australia's Constitution
click here to hear the Australian National Anthem
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=18569