The constitution is a document (the supreme law) which sets out how an organisation or a country will be governed.
It outlines the power of the Australian Government and any restrictions to its lawmaking authority. It details the different areas that the federal and state parliaments can make laws.
The Parliament consists of the House of Representative (Lower House), the Senate (Upper House) and the Governor General which represents King Charles.
Historical background
- The Constitution was drafted in the 1890s and came into effect on January 1st, 1901, when the six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
- Each state has its own constitutions, parliaments, governments and laws.
- The Constitution was influenced by the British, American and Canadian constitutions.
- The British Parliament enacted the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.