GOVERNMENT & LAW

The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy , a federation , and a parliamentary democracy . The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 as a result of an agreement between what were previously six self-governing British colonies. The terms of this agreement are embodied in the Australian Constitution, which was drawn up at a Constitutional Convention and ratified by the people of the colonies at referendums.

There are three levels of Government in Australia:

• Commonwealth (also know as 'Australian Government' or 'Federal Government')
• State
• Local

Both the Commonwealth and State systems of government derive from the British Westminster system, although the Australian Constitution was influenced by the United States and Swiss Constitutions.

Under the Australian Constitution, the legislative power of the Commonwealth of Australia is vested in the Parliament of the Commonwealth, which consists of the monarch (currently Queen Elizabeth II), the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Australian legal system is responsible for the processing of both criminal and civil matters. More broadly, it is responsible for dealing with persons convicted or accused of committing a crime, assisting the victims of crime, and overseeing other justice-related matters.

In accordance with the Constitution, the states and territories hold legislative power in relation to all matters where power is not specifically vested in the Commonwealth. Everyday life in Australia is mainly governed by the laws of the states and territories.

Australian Government Resources: