Australia Government#

National level#

The federal government of Australia operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, comprising the executive and legislative branches.

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Executive branch#

The Prime Minister, while not a constitutional position, plays a pivotal role in the executive branch. Appointed by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the House of Representatives, although this is not a requirement. The Governor-General represents the Sovereign and performs various ceremonial duties. The Prime Minister leads the Cabinet and the government, steering national policy and administration. The executive branch also includes ministers who head specific government departments and are usually drawn from the Parliament. The Governor-General is not maintained by Melissa.

Legislative branch#

The Parliament of Australia is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 151 Members of Parliament (MPs) elected from single-member electoral divisions. The number of MPs can change with electoral adjustments. The House must be dissolved within three years from its first meeting, often earlier. The Senate comprises 72 state senators (12 from each state) serving staggered six-year terms, with half elected every three years. In the case of a double dissolution, all senators are up for election, and terms are adjusted to reestablish the staggered system. Additionally, there are four territorial senators elected at the same time as the House of Representatives, serving concurrent terms.

State/Territorial level#

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Executive branch#

Each state has a Governor appointed by the Sovereign, performing largely ceremonial duties. The Premier is the head of the government in each state, appointed by the Governor and typically the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly. The Premier leads the executive branch of the state government, directing policy and administration. In the territories, the Chief Minister holds a similar role, elected by members of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian Capital Territory and appointed by the Administrator in the Northern Territory. The Administrator, appointed by the Governor-General, performs ceremonial duties in the Northern Territory. The individual state Governor are not maintained by Melissa.

Legislative branch#

State parliaments generally consist of two houses: the Legislative Council (upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (lower house), except for Queensland, which has a unicameral legislature. The Legislative Assembly is responsible for proposing and passing legislation, while the Legislative Council reviews and amends proposed laws. In the territories, the legislative branch consists of a single Legislative Assembly, which functions similarly to the lower houses of state parliaments. Members of these assemblies are elected to represent the people of their respective states or territories, contributing to the legislative process and governance.