| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | World Encyclopedia of Political Systems & Parties |
| Editors | George Delury, Marc Aronson |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | Facts on File |
| Pages | 37-53 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Volume | 1. Afghanistan - Luxembourg |
| Edition | 2nd Edition |
| ISBN (Print) | 0-8160-1539-2, 0816015392, 0-8160-1564-3, 0816015643 |
| Publication status | Published - 1987 |
Abstract
The System of Government
Australia, a nation of 15.8 million people, is both a federal and a parliamentary democracy. Federalism reflects the circumstances of Australia's colonial origins. On January 1, 1901, six self-governing British colonies - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania - federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. The six colonies remained as component states of the federal system. There are also now two territories - the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory - directly administered for most of their history by the Commonwealth (national) government.
Australia, a nation of 15.8 million people, is both a federal and a parliamentary democracy. Federalism reflects the circumstances of Australia's colonial origins. On January 1, 1901, six self-governing British colonies - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania - federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. The six colonies remained as component states of the federal system. There are also now two territories - the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory - directly administered for most of their history by the Commonwealth (national) government.