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THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY OF AUSTRALIA. Form of Leadership. Australia’s six states represent the six British colonies united to create the Commonwealth of Australia. Approved a constitution which gives the federal gov’t the right to pass laws on certain subjects
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Form of Leadership • Australia’s six states represent the six British colonies united to create the Commonwealth of Australia. • Approved a constitution which gives the federal gov’t the right to pass laws on certain subjects • Land that is not claimed by the states is called a territory. • Territories cannot convene their own gov’t or pass laws. The Commonwealth makes laws for the territories
Form of Leadership cont’d… • Head of State= Queen • Hereditary • Signs laws, commander-in-chief of the arem, nave, & air force • Does approve elections • Australia’s prime minister selects someone to represent the Queen in Australia…aka the “governor-general” (fulfills duties and responsibilities of the Queen in Australia)
Governor General • The Queen is represented by Governor General who is appointed by monarch on recommendation of Prime Minister
Form of Leadership con’t… • Head of Gov’t = Prime Minister • NOT DIRETLY ELECTED : Leader of the political party with the most members in the Commonwealth Parliament • Most powerful figure in Australia
Type of Legislature • In Australia, elected gov’t operates the country • Every 4 years, people 18 and older vote for members of the Parliament • Parliament is in Canberra • BICAMERAL = two houses of government • Senate and House of Representatives
Type of Legislature BOTH ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE • After the election, the political party that has the most seats in the H.O.R. selects a Prime Minister. SENATE House of Representatives
Role of the Citizens • DEMOCRACY – voters choose lawmakers • Voting is compulsory meaning that everyone that is eligible to vote is REQUIRED to do so unless there is a good reason. (such as illness) • Australians can be fined or may have to go to court is they do not vote • Freedoms • Religion, speech, choose jobs, travel, vote • Very similar to level of freedom in the US