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The [[Australia|Commonwealth of Australia]] is a [[federation|federal]] [[constitutional monarchy]] with a [[parliamentary democracy]]. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 when the six self-governing [[British Empire|British colonies]], agreed to join together as one nation. These colonies became the six states of Australia. The written agreement is the [[Constitution of Australia|Australian Constitution]]. This was written at a [[Constitutional Convention (Australia)|Constitutional Convention]] and voted for by the people of the colonies.  

'''The Commonwealth of Australia''' is a [[federation|federal]] [[constitutional monarchy]] with a [[parliamentary democracy]]. The [[Commonwealth of Australia]] was formed in 1901 when the six self-governing [[British Empire|British colonies]] agreed to join together as one nation. These colonies became the six states of Australia. The written agreement is the [[Constitution of Australia|Australian Constitution]]. This was written at a Constitutional Convention and voted for by the people of the [[Colony|colonies]].  

The way the Australian Government is organized can be looked at in two ways. The first is [[federalism]] which organizes the way powers are distributed between the Australian Government and the state governments. The second is [[separation of powers]] into legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government. The Constitution supports the separation of powers in the way it sets out the roles of the branches of government.

The government is managed in at least two separate ways. The first is federalism, which organizes the way powers are distributed between the Australian Government and the [[State government|state governments]]. The second is [[separation of powers]] into [[Legislature|legislative]], [[Executive (government)|executive]] and [[judiciary]] branches of government. The Constitution supports the separation of powers in the way it sets out the roles of the branches of government.

== The Federal Government ==

== The Federal Government ==

Section 1 of the Australian Constitution sets up a [[democracy|democratic]] [[legislature]], the [[Bicameralism|bicameral]] [[Parliament of Australia]]. This is the [[Queen of Australia|Queen]] and two houses, the [[Australian Senate|Senate]] and the [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]. Section 51 of the Constitution sets out the Commonwealth Government's legislative powers and gives certain powers and responsibilities (known as "heads of power") to the federal government. All remaining responsibilities are kept by the six [[Parliaments of the Australian states and territories|States]]. Each State has its own constitution, so that Australia has seven sovereign Parliaments, none of which can take over the powers of any other. The [[High Court of Australia]] rules on any arguments between the Commonwealth and the States, or among the States, about their powers.

Section 1 of the Australian Constitution sets up a [[democracy|democratic]] [[legislature]], the [[Bicameralism|bicameral]] [[Parliament of Australia]]. This is the [[Queen of Australia|Queen]] and two houses, the [[Australian Senate|Senate]] and the [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]. Section 51 of the Constitution sets out the Commonwealth Government's legislative powers and gives certain powers and responsibilities (known as "heads of power") to the federal government. All remaining responsibilities are kept by the six States. Each State has its own [[constitution]], so that Australia has seven sovereign Parliaments, none of which can take over the powers of any other. The [[High Court of Australia]] rules on any arguments between the Commonwealth and the States, or among the States, about their powers.

The Commonwealth Parliament can propose changes to the Constitution. To become law, the proposals must be put to a [[referendum]] of all Australians of voting age. The changes must get a "double majority": a majority of all votes, and a majority of votes in a majority of States.

The Commonwealth Parliament can propose changes to the Constitution. To become law, the proposals must be put to a [[referendum]] of all Australians of voting age. The changes must get a "double majority": a majority of all votes, and a majority of votes in a majority of States.

* Legislature: The [[Parliament of Australia|Commonwealth Parliament]]

* Legislature: The [[Parliament of Australia|Commonwealth Parliament]]

* Executive: The Sovereign, whose executive power is used by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, Ministers and their Departments

* Executive: The Sovereign, whose executive power is used by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, Ministers and their Departments

* Judiciary: The [[High Court of Australia]] and other Federal courts.

* Judiciary: The [[High Court of Australia]] and other Federal courts

The ''[[Separation of powers]]'' is the principle whereby the three arms of government do their activities separate from each other:

The ''[[Separation of powers]]'' is the principle whereby the three arms of government do their activities separate from each other:

* the Legislature proposes laws in the form of Bills. It sets up legal framework for the work of the other two arms. The Sovereign is formally a part of the Parliament, but takes no active role in these matters.

* the Legislature proposes laws in the form of Bills. It sets up legal framework for the work of the other two arms. The Sovereign is formally a part of the Parliament, but takes no active role in these matters

* the Executive passes the laws by Royal Assent, administers the laws and carries out the tasks assigned to it by legislation

* the Executive passes the laws by Royal Assent, administers the laws and carries out the tasks assigned to it by legislation

* the Judiciary hears cases arising from the administration of the law, using both [[statute law]] and the [[common law]]. The Australian courts cannot give [[advisory opinions]] on the constitutionality of laws

* the Judiciary hears cases arising from the administration of the law, using both [[statute law]] and the [[common law]]. The Australian courts cannot give [[advisory opinions]] on the constitutionality of laws

* the other arms cannot influence the Judiciary.

* the other arms cannot influence the Judiciary

Before the [[Australia Act 1986]], and matching legislation in the parliament of the United Kingdom, some Australian cases could be sent to the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] for final appeal. Australian law is now only decided on in Australia, and the [[High Court of Australia]] is the highest court of appeal. The possibility of the British Parliament making laws to overturn the Australian Constitution was also removed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/aa1986114/index.html#s1 |title=Australia Act 1986 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |work=Office of Legislative Drafting, Attorney-General’s Department}}</ref>

Before the [[Australia Act 1986]], and matching legislation in the parliament of the United Kingdom, some Australian cases could be sent to the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] for final appeal. Australian law is now only decided on in Australia, and the [[High Court of Australia]] is the highest court of appeal. The possibility of the British Parliament making laws to overturn the Australian Constitution was also removed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/aa1986114/index.html#s1 |title=Australia Act 1986 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |work=Office of Legislative Drafting, Attorney-General’s Department}}</ref>

* [[Australian federal budget]]

* [[Australian federal budget]]

* [[Australian Public Service]]

* [[Australian Public Service]]

== References ==

== References ==