121
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
created page Australian Constitution
The '''Constitution of Australia''' is the most important law in [[Australia]]. It created the Federal Government, the states and an Independent Australian nation. It was drafted at the National Australasian constitutional convention of 1897, at which delegates of each of the British colonies in Australia and New Zealand were present. The original constitution was finally ratified by the people of [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria]], [[Queensland]], [[South Australia]], [[Tasmania]] and [[Western Australia]] in [[referendum|referendums]], with [[New Zealand]] instead creating a separate country. It is based on the [[constitution of the United States]].
<big>'''Articles of the Constitution'''</big>
----
The constitution consists of eight chapters and a preamble.
'''Chapter I. Parliament'''<br />
This chapter establishes the Australian Parliament as being comprised of a [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], a [[Australian Senate|Senate]] and the [[Queen of Australia]]. The queen is represented by the [[Governor-General]]. It also separates powers between the federal and state governments.
'''Chapter II. The Executive Government'''<br />
This chapter established the power of the Governor-General, as a representative of the queen. They preside over the meetings of the cabinet, of which all members must be in either the Senate or House of Representatives. The executive is also given control of the [[Australian military]].
'''Chapter III. The Judicature'''<br />
This Chapter establishes the federal court system and [[judicial review]] of laws. The most senior court in Australia is the [[high court of Australia]].
'''Chapter IV. Trade and Commerce'''<br />
Chapter four regulates trade and commerce between states, and the commonwealth treasury. The Commonwealth under this section cannot preference on state over another.
'''Chapter V. The States'''<br />
This chapter limits the powers of the states in Australia. It invalidates state created money and the imposition of duties on goods imported from other states. Section 116 also affirms [[freedom of religion]] in Australia.
'''Chapter VI. New States'''<br />
This chapter stipulated the process to admit new states into Australia. It has not been used.
'''Chapter VII. Miscellaneous'''<br />
Chapter seven allows for the governor-general to have deputies and the creation of [[Canberra]] as the seat of Australian Government. Section 127 forbade the counting of Aboriginals in censuses. This effectively barred them from voting, and was caused by [[racism]] at the time of [[Federation]]. This section was repealed in 1967.
'''Chapter VIII. Alteration of the Constitution'''<br />
Chapter eight allows the constitution to only be altered by a majority vote in both houses of parliament, followed by a [[referendum]]. For a referendum to pass, it must be passed by both a majority of electors, but also a majority of states. Because of these strict requirements, only alterations that have strong support can be passed.
<big>External Links</big><br />
----
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/general/constitution/index.htm Full text of the constitution.
<big>'''Articles of the Constitution'''</big>
----
The constitution consists of eight chapters and a preamble.
'''Chapter I. Parliament'''<br />
This chapter establishes the Australian Parliament as being comprised of a [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], a [[Australian Senate|Senate]] and the [[Queen of Australia]]. The queen is represented by the [[Governor-General]]. It also separates powers between the federal and state governments.
'''Chapter II. The Executive Government'''<br />
This chapter established the power of the Governor-General, as a representative of the queen. They preside over the meetings of the cabinet, of which all members must be in either the Senate or House of Representatives. The executive is also given control of the [[Australian military]].
'''Chapter III. The Judicature'''<br />
This Chapter establishes the federal court system and [[judicial review]] of laws. The most senior court in Australia is the [[high court of Australia]].
'''Chapter IV. Trade and Commerce'''<br />
Chapter four regulates trade and commerce between states, and the commonwealth treasury. The Commonwealth under this section cannot preference on state over another.
'''Chapter V. The States'''<br />
This chapter limits the powers of the states in Australia. It invalidates state created money and the imposition of duties on goods imported from other states. Section 116 also affirms [[freedom of religion]] in Australia.
'''Chapter VI. New States'''<br />
This chapter stipulated the process to admit new states into Australia. It has not been used.
'''Chapter VII. Miscellaneous'''<br />
Chapter seven allows for the governor-general to have deputies and the creation of [[Canberra]] as the seat of Australian Government. Section 127 forbade the counting of Aboriginals in censuses. This effectively barred them from voting, and was caused by [[racism]] at the time of [[Federation]]. This section was repealed in 1967.
'''Chapter VIII. Alteration of the Constitution'''<br />
Chapter eight allows the constitution to only be altered by a majority vote in both houses of parliament, followed by a [[referendum]]. For a referendum to pass, it must be passed by both a majority of electors, but also a majority of states. Because of these strict requirements, only alterations that have strong support can be passed.
<big>External Links</big><br />
----
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/general/constitution/index.htm Full text of the constitution.