The Australian Constitution sets out the rules and responsibilities of government and outlines the powers of its three branches - legislative, executive and judicial. The legislative branch of government contains the parliament - the body with the legislative power to make laws. The executive branch of government administers the laws made by the legislative branch, and the judicial branch of government allows for the establishment of the country's courts of law and the appointment and removal of it judges. The purpose of the courts is to interpret all laws, including the Constitution, making the rule of law supreme. The Constitution can only be changed by referendum. Australia's Constitutional Monarchy Australia is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means it is a country that has a queen or king as its head of state whose powers are limited by a Constitution.

Australia's head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. Although she is also Queen of the United Kingdom, the two positions now are quite separate, both in law and constitutional practice. In practice, the Queen is plays no role within the Australian political system and is merely a figurehead. In Australia, the Queen is formally represented by a Governor General whom she appoints on the recommendation of Australia's Prime Minister. The Queen plays no role in the day-to-day duties of the Governor General.

Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia While recognised as the Queen's representative, the Governor General is in no way subject to the direction, supervision or veto of the Queen or the British Government. Under the Constitution, the Governor- General's powers and duties include summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament, assenting to Bills, appointing Ministers, setting up Departments of State and appointing judges. By convention, however, the Governor-General acts only on the advice of Ministers in virtually all matters and the appointee to the office is selected on the advice of the Government. The six State Governors perform similar roles in their States.

The Australian Constitution Legislative Parliament House of Representatives Senate Executive Ministry Government Departments Judicial High Court Other Federal Courts Governor General

Constitutional Act of State Parliament Legislative Parliament Lower HouseUpper House Executive Ministry Government Departments Judicial State Supreme Court Lower Level State Courts Governor

Leader: Julia Gillard MP President: Anna Bligh Deputy Leader: Wayne Swan MP Founded: 1891 Headquarters: 161 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2600 Ideology: Democratic Socialism, Social Democracy, Third Way Political position: Centre-left Official colours: Red House of Representatives: 72 / 150 Senate: 32 / 76

Leader: Tony Abbott MP President: Alan Stockdale Deputy Leader: Julie Bishop MP Founded: 1944 Headquarters: Cnr Blackall & Macquarie St Barton ACT 2600 Ideology: Conservative liberalism, Liberal conservatism, New Right Political position: Centre-right International affiliation: International Democrat Union Official colours: Blue House of Representatives: 44 / 150 Senate: 32 / 76

Leader: Warren Truss MP President: John Tanner Deputy Leader: Sen. Nigel Scullion Founded:1920 (As Country Party) Headquarters: John McEwen House 7 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 Youth wing: Young Nationals Ideology:Conservatism, Agrarianism Political position: Centre-Right Official colours: Green House of Representatives: 6 / 150 Senate: 4 / 76

The Australian Greens Family First Party One Nation Australian Democrats

The foreign relations of Australia have spanned from the country's time as Dominion and later Realm of the Commonwealth to become steadfastly allied with New Zealand through long-standing ANZAC ties dating back to the early 1900s and the United States throughout the Cold War to its engagement with Asia as a power in its own right. Its relations with the international community are influenced by its position as a leading trading nation and as a significant donor of humanitarian aid. Australia's foreign policy is guided by a commitment to multilateralism and regionalism, as well as to strong bilateral relations with its allies. Key concerns include free trade, terrorism, economic cooperation with Asia and stability in the Asia-Pacific. Australia is active in the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.

RG Casey House, Canberra, is the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the department responsible for the formulation and enactment of Australian foreign policy

Christina Kurgan Alesya Danko