1. In Australia, power is divided between federal, state and territory governments
2. The House of Representatives, often called the Lower House, is comprised of 150 members from electorates across Australia
It determines the government, passes laws, monitors administration and debates issues of national importance. After an election, government is formed by the party who has the most representatives in the Lower House. The leader of the party with the most representatives in the Lower House becomes the Prime Minister.
3. The Senate, often called the Upper House, is comprised of 76 members - twelve from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories
Its main role is to review legislation that comes from the Lower House. Senators serve a six-year term with half the Senate elected every three years during the federal election.
New Senate Sworn In At Parliament And Carbon Tax Key Item On Agenda
4. The Australian Federal Government is divided into three arms: legislature, executive and judiciary
The legislature, also known as the Parliament of Australia, is made up of democratically-elected representatives from around Australia. Its responsible for debating and voting on new laws to be introduced under the power of section 51 of the Constitution.
The judiciary is the legal arm of government, independent of the legislature and the executive. Its role is to enforce Australia's laws. It must also ensure that the other arms of government do not act beyond their constitutional powers.
Justice is blind
5. In Australia the Federal Government is elected by compulsory voting
The Federal Election takes place approximately every three years. The next election, held in over 8000 polling places across Australia, will be on July 2 from 8am to 6pm. All Australian citizens aged 18 years or over are required to enrol and vote.
