What type of government did Australia have in 1901?
A federation of states In 1901, 6 British colonies united to form the country of Australia. The colonies became Australian states and a federal Parliament was created with the power to make laws about national matters such as defence, immigration, trade and foreign affairs.
Why is Section 51 of the Australian Constitution Important?
Section 51 of the Constitution provides that the Commonwealth make laws with respect to: the acquisition of property on just terms from any State or person for any purpose in respect of which the Parliament has power to make laws .
How many times has the Australian Constitution been changed?
As can be seen in Table 1, there have been eight amendments to the Constitution: single changes in 1906, 1910, 1928, 1946, and 1967, and three changes in 1977 (for details, see pp.
What is the importance of Australia’s Constitution?
The Constitution establishes the composition of the Australian Parliament, describes how Parliament works and what powers it has. It also outlines how the federal and state Parliaments share power, and the roles of the executive government and the High Court of Australia .
Why is Section 109 of the Constitution important?
S-ection 109 of the Constitution provides: When a law of the State is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth, the latter shall prevail, and the former shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be invalid. This section is the cutting edge of Commonwealth supremacy under the Constitution.
When did the Australian Constitution come into effect?
The Australian Constitution was then passed as part of a British Act of Parliament in 1900, and took effect on 1 January 1901. A British Act was necessary because before 1901 Australia was a collection of six self-governing British colonies and ultimate power over those colonies rested with the British Parliament.
How did the Statute of Westminster affect the Constitution of Australia?
The Statute of Westminster and the Australia Acts. For the Constitution, the impact of these two laws is that the Constitution as in force in Australia is now separate from the text in the original Act. While the British Parliament can amend or repeal the Imperial Act, that would not affect Australia.
How many sections are there in the Constitution of Australia?
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Imp) consists of nine sections. Section 9 contains the Constitution. Since the Constitution itself is divided into “sections”, sections 1 to 8 of the Act have come to be known for convenience as the “covering clauses”.
When did Australia become part of the Commonwealth?
Creation of the Commonwealth of Australia. On the commencement of the British Act on 1 January 1901, the Commonwealth came into being and the six colonies became the six States of Australia (covering clauses 4 and 6). The Federal Structure. The Constitution establishes a federal system of government.