What is Australia's Government?

Answer 1

Australia operates under a Federal parliamentary democracy, based on a constitution. The Australian government is based on the British system, which is the Westminster system of parliament. In Australia, although the Queen seems little more than a figurehead, she approves the appointing of the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Australia, and his/her powers include appointing ambassadors, ministers and judges, giving Royal Assent to legislation, issuing writs for elections and bestowing honours. The Governor-General is also Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. Whilst the Governor-General usually acts only on the advice of the Prime Minister, his/her reserve powers can be exercised over that of the Prime Minister, in extreme situations. Each of the states of Australia, and the Northern Territory, has its own state government. Within that state government are various local governments.