|
Delegates to a special constitutional convention held earlier this year recommended that Australia sever its ties with the British mon-archy and become a republic. A referendum on the issue will go to the voters in 1999. Public opinion polls suggest that the measure will pass.
Great Britain colonized Australia in the eighteenth century, and many Australian citizens are descendants of British colonists. Australia became independent in 1901.
The country is currently a constitutional monarchy and a federal democracy. The federal government and six state governments share political responsibility, with power divided among three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch includes the Parliament, which consists of the queen of England (who is represented by the governor-general), the senate, and the house of representatives. The queen
|
|
appoints the governor-general. The prime minister, the leader of the majority party in Parliament, heads the executive branch.
Supporters of the constitutional monarchy argue that the queen of England stands for unity and tradition. Maintaining its current relationship with Great Britain, they argue, allows Australia to have a head of state who is above politics. Opponents argue that Australia’s ties with Great Britain have been weakening for the past 40 years and that establishment of a republic is long overdue.
- What kind of government does Australia have?Answer
- What outcome is expected in the 1999 referendum?Answer
|
