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Creating Australian Democracy

Explore the journey of Australian democracy from self-government to Federation. Understand the adoption of the Westminster system, the role of judiciary, and the factors that led to Federation in 1901, shaping a new nation. Discover the complexities and motivations behind Australia's path to independence and unity.

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Creating Australian Democracy

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  1. Creating Australian Democracy It’s Evolution to Federation from 1855-1901

  2. Self-Government • Define- A grant of internal autonomy over most matters of the colony. Means they could create law and then carry it out independently of the UK.

  3. Self-Government • When? • NSW and Vic - 1855 • Tas and SA - 1856 • Qld - 1859 • WA - 1890

  4. Why Self government? • Convict era over • Many free settlers • Wealthy land owners • ‘Diggers’ at Eureka Stockade • Both wanted Westminster system

  5. Why Self government? • Both wanted Westminster system • Landowners wanted the current system that favoured the wealthy. • Diggers wanted a more democratic system as modeled by the Chartists in UK

  6. Westminster system • Adopted from UK • Features included- • Constitutional monarchy • Parliamentary government that made the laws- called statutes

  7. Westminster system • Bi-cameral Parliament • Lower house-’people’s house, the only house which could impose taxes. Still not totally democratic as not all could vote. Ie/ women and poor. • Upper House- favoured rural landowners.

  8. Westminster System • Cabinet- • Party with majority in LH forms govt. • PM is leader of party with majority in LH and must be a member of it too. • PM selects group from either house to serve as ministers and carry out executive function. Senior Ministers form the Cabinet. • Individual ministers are responsible to parliament and must resign if censure motion occurs.

  9. Judiciary • Must be independent • Adversarial • Two functions are: • Administer, interpret and enforce the laws. • Resolve disputes between individuals.

  10. Judiciary • Two forms of law to interpret and enforce • Common law • Statute law

  11. Federation and the Constitution • The idea of Nationalism was spreading throughout the world in the 1800’s. ie/ Germany 1871 and Italy 1861 and Canada 1867 • When did we become one country?

  12. Federation • Federation gave birth to a new nation and a new political and legal system • Federal system of government- based on two teirs of government or more, one the central government and the other being smaller regional governments • Powers are divided between the two

  13. Federation • Why do you think we Federated?

  14. Federation • Why do you think we Federated? • Factors contributing towards Federation: • Nationalism • Economic Reasons • Immigration • Defence

  15. Federation • Barriers to federation: • Different Histories • Physical distance • Rivalries • Constitution to please people and leaders from all colonies.

  16. Choosing a system of government • Uk- Westminster responsible government • USA- Fedearlism • Canada- Washminister model • Switzerland- Referendums

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