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 * __ GOVERNMENT LEARNING TASK - BY COURTNEY BEUKERS __**

Federation occurred on January 1st, 1901. It meant for the Australian Colonies that they would become States and Territories with their own government. The role of a Governor General is to represent the Queen. The duties of a Governor General include appearing at Ceremonies, calling an Election, approving the appointment of Judges and Ministers and signing Bills. The Constitution is a document that shows how Australia is run. Federalism means a system of government in which power is not shared. Bicameralism is generally the practice of a government comprising of a legislative body that has two houses. Federal Government looks after the whole of Australia. The Federal Government also takes care of things like whether or not we should do or have something or when we have an Election. State Government looks after and makes all the decisions for the State or Territory that voted for them. Local Government looks after and makes all the decisions for the area that voted for them. Federal Government’s roles are to look after the Country, make decisions for the Country, and decide whether or not we do or have something, decide when we have an Election. State Government’s roles are to look after their State or Territory, make decisions for their State or Territory. Local Government’s roles are to look after their area and make decisions for their area. The title for the Federal leader is, Prime Minister. The title for the State leader is, Premier and the title for the Local leader is, Mayor. Decisions are made into law at a State and Federal level in a very similar way. Firstly, the Government will make decisions on Policies then Drafts and introduces them as Bills into Parliament. The Bills are then considered by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If passed by the parliament the bills are then to be approved by the Governor General. The Bills then become Acts of Parliament and therefore Laws. Above the shield there is a seven pointed star, it symbolizes national unity, the kangaroo and emu identify arms as being Australian NSW Cross of St George, VIC Southern Cross and Imperial Crown, QLD Maltese Cross, SA piping shrike, WA black swan, TAS red lion, wattle is the national floral emblem, ermine border symbolizes federation of states. **__ PRIME MINISTER __** The Prime Minister is responsible for different government jobs, called Portfolios and to lead Government Departments such as the Department of Defence.
 * __ FEDERATION __**
 * __ THREE TIERED SYSTEM __**
 * __ COAT OF ARMS __**

Voting in Australia is conducted by secret ballots. All Australian Citizens aged 18 or over must be on the electoral roll and they must vote. People who are overseas or not at home can send a postal vote. Elections for the two houses are held about every three years. Each Federal Electorate, made up of about 100,000 people, chooses a person to speak for them in Parliament. The candidate that scores the most votes through the preferential voting system, wins a seat in Government and becomes a Member of Parliament or MP. **__ POLITICAL PARTIES __** I think they picked the colours because they are yellow and greens mostly and yellow and green are Australian colours. I think they picked the symbols because on the ALP Logo for example it relates to Australia because it’s got the Southern Cross and the Liberal because it’s got the Australian Flag.
 * __ VOTING AND ELECTIONS __**

I chose the Australian flag and the picture of Australia because it represents our Country. I also chose the colours because the blue, red and white are on our flag and the green and gold are our Australian colours. **__ AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE __** In Democratic Governments, power comes from the decisions of the people. Around 2,500 years ago in the city, States of Ancient Greece and Rome, the Democratic System of Government evolved.

I think Australia has a fair Government because the Government have made it so the Australians get to vote on who we want to run the Country. **__ Bibliography __** State Government / Book Federal Government / Book wiki.answers.com [|www.peo.gov.au]