System of Government 2
Learning Intentions
Students will:
 Describe how government is
‘formed’ in Australia
 Compare the role of the House of
Representatives and Senate
 Discuss the historical reasons for
the current model of government
in Australia
Success Criteria:
 Quiz completed
 Notes taken
 Engaged in class
discussion
What is Australia’s system of gov?
Representative liberal democracy under a
constitutional monarchy
But how do we actually
decide who forms
government in Australia?
We use a ‘Westminster’
system to decide this.
Westminster Government
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Refers to the UK parliament system (which is based
in the suburb of Westminster), which Australia also
uses. Has several features:
 A Head of State with mostly ceremonial powers
(Governor General, on behalf of the Queen)
 A Prime Minister (PM), selected by a majority of
parliament to head the government
 A ‘ministry’ of people assigned with specific
responsibilities (i.e. Minister for Health)
 A ‘cabinet’ of the PM & senior ministers to make
executive decisions
Westminster Government

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Most often compared to the American Presidential
system, which is quiet different.
What is Australia’s system of gov?
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Representative liberal democracy under a
constitutional monarchy
constitutional monarchy: A King or Queen
is the head of state with a constitution
(set of rules) that they must rule by. In
practice, parliament makes all decisions.
What is Australia’s system of gov?
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In page
centre
Representative liberal democracy under a
constitutional monarchy
Homework

Complete Class Quiz (Posted to Edmodo)