Its institutions and practices reflect British and North American models but are uniquely Australian.
The Commonwealth of Australia was created on January 1, 1901 - Federation Day - when six former British colonies - now the six States of Australia - agreed to form a union.
The Australian Constitution, which took effect on January 1, 1901, lays down the framework for the Australian system of government.
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.
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