Chapter 4 of 420% of exam
Government and the Law in Australia
This chapter explains how Australia is governed, its constitution, and the division of law-making power.
A Constitutional Monarchy
Australia is a constitutional monarchy. The Sovereign is the head of state and is represented in Australia by the Governor-General. The federal Parliament, based at Parliament House in Canberra, makes national laws through elected representatives.
The Constitution and Federation
The Australian Constitution came into effect in 1901, creating the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia is a federation, so law-making power is shared between the national (federal) government and the state and territory governments.