Australia

1
Australias Government

• SS6CG7.a

2
Australias 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.

3
Branches

• Executive
• Queen Elizabeth II is head of state though she is
  mostly a figurehead. She appoints the
  governor-general 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 Australias first female prime
minister
4
Branches of Government (cont.)

• 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
  one-person per electorate
• 2. Senateeach state and territory elects twelve
  members
• From these members a group is chosen to become
  The Ministry that advises the governor-general.

5
Branches of Government (cont.)

• High Court Judges are appointed to serve.

6
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.