Why Do We Propose Changes To The Australian Constitution
Australia
Australia is a democratic legislature. The Australian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Queen of Australia, a 76-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives.The Constitution provides for the Commonwealth Government's legislative powers and gives certain powers and responsibilities to the Commonwealth government. All remaining responsibilities are retained by the six States which were previously separate colonies. Each State has its own constitution, so that Australia has seven sovereign Parliaments, none of which can encroach on the functions of the others. The high court arbitrates on any disputes which arise between the Commonwealth and the States, or among the States, concerning their respective functions. …show more content…
To become effective, the proposals must be put to a referendum of all Australians of voting age, and must receive a "double majority": a majority of all votes, and a majority of votes in a majority of States.
The Commonwealth Constitution also provides that the States can agree to refer any of their powers to the Commonwealth. This may be achieved by way of an amendment to the Constitution via referendum (a vote on whether the proposed transfer of power from the States to the Commonwealth, or vice versa, should be implemented). More commonly powers may be transferred by passing other acts of legislation which approve of the transfer and such acts require the legislative agreement of all the state governments involved.
Elections -
Elections in Australia are conducted to elect the legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, and for each Australian state and territory. The elections for the Australian Parliament are held under the federal electoral system, which is uniform throughout the country, and the elections for state and territory Parliaments are held under the electoral system of each state and territory.
Voting is conducted by paper ballot and voting is compulsory for every Australian citizen aged 18 years or
Australia is a democratic legislature. The Australian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Queen of Australia, a 76-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives.The Constitution provides for the Commonwealth Government's legislative powers and gives certain powers and responsibilities to the Commonwealth government. All remaining responsibilities are retained by the six States which were previously separate colonies. Each State has its own constitution, so that Australia has seven sovereign Parliaments, none of which can encroach on the functions of the others. The high court arbitrates on any disputes which arise between the Commonwealth and the States, or among the States, concerning their respective functions. …show more content…
To become effective, the proposals must be put to a referendum of all Australians of voting age, and must receive a "double majority": a majority of all votes, and a majority of votes in a majority of States.
The Commonwealth Constitution also provides that the States can agree to refer any of their powers to the Commonwealth. This may be achieved by way of an amendment to the Constitution via referendum (a vote on whether the proposed transfer of power from the States to the Commonwealth, or vice versa, should be implemented). More commonly powers may be transferred by passing other acts of legislation which approve of the transfer and such acts require the legislative agreement of all the state governments involved.
Elections -
Elections in Australia are conducted to elect the legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, and for each Australian state and territory. The elections for the Australian Parliament are held under the federal electoral system, which is uniform throughout the country, and the elections for state and territory Parliaments are held under the electoral system of each state and territory.
Voting is conducted by paper ballot and voting is compulsory for every Australian citizen aged 18 years or