The Commonwealth of Australia is a Federal Constitutional Monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. Our democratic government means that the public has a right to vote on our nation's leaders and for constitutional changes.

The Commonwealth was formed in 1901 as an agreement between the 6 states to federalise. Although the government runs under the instruction of the Monarchy, a Prime Minister is elected every three years to govern the country and make its most important decisions.

The agreement between the states and territories is embodied in the Australian Constitution, which was drawn up at a Constitutional Convention and ratified by the people of the colonies at referendum. This ever lasting document essentially governs the country and acts as the basis for all Australian laws. The structure of the Constitution can be classed into two categories: Federalism and the Separation of Powers.

The Parliament of Australia consists of the Queen and two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each state also has its own government, known as State Government, and each has its own constitution, which equates to Australia having seven sovereign governments. However, the Federal Government overrides State and Local Governments, with the High Court of Australia arbitrating on any disputes which arise between the Commonwealth and the states.

Changes can only be made to the Constitution through a referendum. This gives the public a chance to vote as to whether or not the change should be made. The referendum must receive a double vote; it must receive majority overall and majority of each state. Hence, referendums are rarely passed in Australia!

The Australian Government is undertaken by inter-connected arms of the government: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. The Legislature refers to the Commonwealth Parliament, whose main objective is to develop laws to govern the country. The Executive is the sovereign and includes such members as the Queen, the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. The Judiciary enforce the laws made by the legislature through court processes and in particular, through the High Court of Australia. Under the Separation of Powers doctrine, these three arms of government must undertake their activities separately from each other. This ensures fairness in the legal system and prevents power from being used in an unfair manner.

The government of Australia is run in a manner that ensures freedom of speech and for the voices of the public to be heard. A combined leadership of a Prime Minister and the authority of the Queen means that different perspectives can be given on how the country should be run, allowing for a unique and fair government.