Facts You Should Know About the Australian System of Government and Politics
The system of government of Australia has been rooted in the liberal democratic tradition based on the freedom of speech, values of religious tolerance and the rule of law.
Basically, the institutions and government practices in Australia reflect those of North American and British models, however, unique in its own Australian way.
The Commonwealth of Australian, or also known as the Parliament of Australia, is the oldest continuous democracy in the world today which was founded in 1901.
It happened when the Six States, then known as the British colonies, agreed to federate.
It was also during that time that Australia adopted its first federal government shaped by democratic principles and practices such "one man, one vote.
" Years passed after the federation was founded that Australia adopted the Britain's electoral tradition including the limited franchise, plural and public voting.
However, electoral changes were imposed due to intimidation of voters as well as bribery which caused too much trouble to the people.
Such practices led Australia to be the pioneering country to have electoral reforms which are followed and became the basis of today's democracy practices.
The government of Australia has been founded and based on elected parliament which consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Both chambers will have to elect Ministers who will serve and conduct executive government; all the policies and decisions are made and decided only during Cabinet meetings.
These decisions are not disclosed except for the ones which are needed to be announced publicly.
Additionally, the principle of Cabinet solidarity closely mirrors the model of British Cabinet government which is responsible to parliament.
Australia is an independent nation, however, Queen Elizabeth II (Queen of Great Britain) is also the Queen of Australia who will be responsible in appointing a Governor-General to represent her in front of Australian people.
Although the Governor-General has wide powers over the nation, he is subject to the advices of the ministers.
On August 21, 2010, the Australian Federal Election will take place to elect new members of the Parliament of Australia wherein the incumbent Labor Party Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be challenged by Liberal/National Coalition Leader Tony Abbott.
The winner will be determined by the people who have the right to vote who they think would be the person worthy to be the next Prime Minister of Australia.
As mentioned in the constitution, a person in Australia is entitled to one vote only.
Thus, it would be wise enough to choose the one who is willing to help the people.
Basically, the institutions and government practices in Australia reflect those of North American and British models, however, unique in its own Australian way.
The Commonwealth of Australian, or also known as the Parliament of Australia, is the oldest continuous democracy in the world today which was founded in 1901.
It happened when the Six States, then known as the British colonies, agreed to federate.
It was also during that time that Australia adopted its first federal government shaped by democratic principles and practices such "one man, one vote.
" Years passed after the federation was founded that Australia adopted the Britain's electoral tradition including the limited franchise, plural and public voting.
However, electoral changes were imposed due to intimidation of voters as well as bribery which caused too much trouble to the people.
Such practices led Australia to be the pioneering country to have electoral reforms which are followed and became the basis of today's democracy practices.
The government of Australia has been founded and based on elected parliament which consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Both chambers will have to elect Ministers who will serve and conduct executive government; all the policies and decisions are made and decided only during Cabinet meetings.
These decisions are not disclosed except for the ones which are needed to be announced publicly.
Additionally, the principle of Cabinet solidarity closely mirrors the model of British Cabinet government which is responsible to parliament.
Australia is an independent nation, however, Queen Elizabeth II (Queen of Great Britain) is also the Queen of Australia who will be responsible in appointing a Governor-General to represent her in front of Australian people.
Although the Governor-General has wide powers over the nation, he is subject to the advices of the ministers.
On August 21, 2010, the Australian Federal Election will take place to elect new members of the Parliament of Australia wherein the incumbent Labor Party Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be challenged by Liberal/National Coalition Leader Tony Abbott.
The winner will be determined by the people who have the right to vote who they think would be the person worthy to be the next Prime Minister of Australia.
As mentioned in the constitution, a person in Australia is entitled to one vote only.
Thus, it would be wise enough to choose the one who is willing to help the people.