Australias Government SS 6 CG 7 a Australias

Australia’s Government SS 6 CG 7. a

Australia’s Government = Federal Parliamentary Democracy • Federal: small political divisions: made up of six states ( USA has 50) • Parliamentary: the parliament/legislature makes the laws • Democracy: people have individual freedoms such as the right to vote and freedom of speech and religion.

Branches: • Executive – Queen Elizabeth II is head of state though she is mostly a figurehead. She appoints the governorgeneral who represents the queen by fulfilling her duties in Australia. – Prime Minister is the head of government. He/She is the one who runs the day-to-day business of the country. The prime minister is the leader of the political party with the most members in the Parliament. – Unlike the USA, people elect the party that they want to have the majority power in parliament, and THAT party appoints the Prime Minister. Julia Gillard: Australia’s first female prime minister

Branches of Government (con’t. ) • Legislative ( Parliament) = They meet in the capital of Canberra. – Two Houses: • 1. House of Representatives= members to the H of R are elected from areas called electorates; oneperson per electorate • 2. Senate=each state and territory elects twelve members • From these members a group is chosen to become “The Ministry” that advises the governor-general.

Branches of Government (con’t. ) • High Court = Judges are appointed to serve.

Australian Citizens • Voters elect their leaders through party elections. • Voting age = 18 years old • Voting is compulsory (you MUST vote). • Australians have personal freedoms similar to those enjoyed by Americans.