HC-BITS'N'PIECES

Federation took place on the 1st January 1901.Prior to this Australia was a continent with six colonies. Federation meant that Australia became a nation with a federal government. Each colony became a state and were able to keep their parliaments. Federation made it easier for the colonies because a single system of rail transport, tariff (taxes), postal services and defence was formed.
 * Government Learning Task**
 * 1. Federation**

The Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Australia. One of his main jobs is to sign off on new laws. The constitution is a set of rules which set out how a state or country is run. The Australian constitution set out the rules for how Australia is governed. For example how the parliament is formed, how it works and what powers it has.

Federalism means there is one central or national system of government.

Bicameralism means two chambers or houses. In Australia this is seen in the Upper House or the Senate and the Lower House or the House of Representatives.

In Australia there are three levels of government, Federal, State and Local Government.
 * 2. Three Tiered System**

__Federal Government__ The Federal Government makes laws for the whole of Australia. Some of the areas of responsibility include foreign affairs, social security, industrial relations, trade, immigration, currency and defence. The leader of the Federal Government is the Prime Minister.

__State Government__

The State Government make laws for their state. Some of their powers include justice, consumer affairs, health, education, public transport, main roads, agriculture and forests. The leader of the State Government is the Premier.

__Local Government__ The Local Government makes local laws for their region or district. Their powers are defined by acts of parliament in each state. Their responsibilities include, local road maintenance, garbage collection, building regulations and land subdivisions, public health and recreation facilities The leader of the Local Government is the Mayor.


 * 3. Coat of Arms**

The Australian Coat of Arms consists of a Kangaroo and Emu holding a shield which contains the badges of the six Australian states. In the background is a wattle tree and a seven pointed star. The Coat of Arms is one of the Federation symbols. The Commonwealth uses it to identify authority and property. However, it can also be found in many other places, for example on cricketers baggy green caps and on Australian Passports.

Some of the tasks completed by the Prime Minister include: - chairing the weekly party meetings - selecting Ministers - deciding with ministers what new laws there should be - leading the government - representing the Australian Government overseas - deciding when to call a Federal election
 * 4. The Prime Minister**


 * 5. Voting and Elections**

The Commonwealth Electoral Act established the process and regulations for federal elections. Federal elections must be called at least every 3 years. All Australian citizens over the age of 18 have to vote. First they need to enroll with Electoral Commission. In an election voters elect people (Members of Parliament) to represent them in the two houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Commonwealth Provisional Returning Officers are appointed to manage the electoral process. People either vote at polling booths or complete a postal vote before the election. The names of the candidates are put randomly on a ballot sheet. Voters put a cross or number next to the name of the candidate they would prefer. When the polling places close the officers count the votes. They count 1 votes then 2 votes then 3 votes. To be elected a candidate needs the most votes. Then a winner can be declared. This is called preferential voting.


 * 6. Political Parties**

I have used green and yellow in my logo because they are the colours which represent Australia. I have also included gum trees in my logo because they are a classic Australian icon. I hoped that these would appeal to voters as they would choose my party because it is Australian.

A democracy is a type of government where all people over the age of 18 can vote in elections and have a say on how the country should be run.
 * 7. Australian Perspectives**

I think Australia has a fair system of government because all the candidates have a fair chance at becoming a Member of Parliament. Also every 2-3 years there is a new election so that there may be a new Prime Minister and government.

The ideal government would have no fights and everyone would work as a team.