Australia has a federal system of government where power is divided between the central authority and regional authorities. It is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Citizens participate through democratic elections and vote to choose representatives to the legislature which includes the Senate and House of Representatives. The leader, the Prime Minister, is chosen as the leader of the party that wins a majority in the House of Representatives.

1. Australia’s Government Unit 10 Notes

2. Government Systems & Types A Brief Review…

3. Government Systems -- Whose Got the Power? Unitary --power is held by one central authority Confederation --association of independent states that agree to certain limitations on their freedoms by joining together Federal --power is divided between central authority & several regional authorities Which system does Australia have?

4. Government Types -- How Do Citizens Participate? Autocratic -- 1 person possesses unlimited power & citizens have limited role in government Oligarchic -- small group exercises control & citizens have limited role in government Democratic --supreme power is vested in the people & exercised by them directly or indirectly though a system of representation involving free elections Which type does Australia have?

5. Two Types of Democratic Governments Parliamentary -- a system of government having the real executive power vested in a cabinet composed of members of the legislature who elect the leader Leader works with or through the legislature Presidential --system of government in which the leader is constitutionally independent of the legislature Leader works separate from legislature *Which type of democracy does Australia have?

6. Australia’s Government Federation (federal system) Parliamentary Democracy Constitutional Monarchy

7. Leadership 1. Head of State: Monarch of the United Kingdom (presently, Queen Elizabeth II); little political power 2. Governor General : stands in for the monarch 3. Prime Minister : holds the most political power; works closely with the legislature

8. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

9. Her Excellency The Right Honorable Quentin Bryce (Governor General) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

10. The Right Honorable Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister)

11. How the Leader is Chosen… Governor General: appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister; serves a 5 year term Prime Minister : is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons; indirectly elected by the people

12. Legislature: Parliament Senate (76 seats): there are 12 members from each state and 2 from each territory. State senators are elected every 6 years and territory senators every 3 years. House of Representatives (152 seats): members are directly elected by the people largest political party in the House elects the Prime Minister

13. Role of Citizen in Government Citizens must be 18 to vote If you do not vote you must pay a fine