Australian Parliamentary System

• Federation: A group of states with a central government they deal with their own internal affairs
• Constitution: A set of rules created to enforce the powers of a government and the rights of its citizens
• Referendum: A vote set out to change the constitution.
• Australia became a federation on January 1st, 1901
• Before federation: there were six colonies: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
• Australia has a federal system of government, which means it is divided into two levels of authority: the national (federal) government and the state governments. Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers.
• The federal government deals with issues that affect the whole country, like defense, immigration, and trade with other nations. It is based in Canberra, the capital city.
• State governments handle matters that are more local, such as education, healthcare, and transport within their respective states like Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, etc.
• The federal system helps in sharing the power and responsibilities between the national and state governments, allowing for better governance and representation of the diverse needs of the Australian people.
• The Australian Constitution sets up three branches of government: the Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary. This is known as the separation of powers.
• Rights in the Constitution: Right to vote
• Rights in the Constitution: Protection against acquisition of property on unjust terms
• Rights in the Constitution: The right to a trial by jury
• Rights in the constitution: Freedom of religion
• Rights in the Constitution: Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of State of residency.
• Legislature


  The legislative branch of government, responsible for making laws
• Separation of powers


  A system where the powers of government are divided among three branches: Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary
• Parliament


  The whole institution that comprises the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary in Australia