The
Commonwealth of Australia is a federal
constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary
democracy. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed
in 1901 as a result of an agreement between six
self-governing British colonies, which became the
six states.
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 referenda. The structure of the
Australian Government may be examined in light of
two distinct concepts, namely federalism and the
separation of powers into legislative, executive and
judiciary branches of government.
Separation of powers is implied from the structure
of the Constitution which breaks down the branches
of government into separate chapters.
The
Australian Constitution dates from 1900, when the
Dominions of the British Empire were not sovereign
states, and does not use the term "head of state".
In practice, the role of head of state of Australia
is divided between two people, the Queen of
Australia and the Governor-General of Australia, who
is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime
Minister of Australia.
Though in many respects the Governor-General is the
Queen's representative, and exercises various
constitutional powers in her name, they are also
independently vested with many important
constitutional powers by the Constitution.
The
main web portal for the Australian Federal Government
can be found at:
www.australia.gov.au
