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Who is Australia’s Head of State? · 1 min read

Constitutional monarchy

Australia is a constitutional monarchy, which means that the King is Australia’s Head of State, but has to act in accordance with the Constitution. As the King does not live in Australia, his powers are delegated to the Governor-General in Australia.

The Australian system of parliamentary democracy reflects British and North American traditions combined in a way that is uniquely Australian. In the Australian system, the leader of the Australian Government is the Prime Minister.

Test yourself on this topic

4 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. In the Australian system, who leads the Australian Government?

    • The Prime Minister
    • The King of Australia
    • The Chief Minister
    • The Governor-General

    Explanation: The Prime Minister leads the Australian Government, while the King is Head of State.

  2. 2. The Australian system of parliamentary democracy reflects traditions from which places?

    • British and North American traditions
    • Ancient Greek and Roman traditions
    • French and German legal traditions
    • Dutch and Spanish colonial traditions

    Explanation: Australia's system draws on two older traditions and joins them together in a way that is uniquely Australian.

  3. 3. What does it mean that Australia is a constitutional monarchy?

    • The King is Head of State but must act in accordance with the Constitution
    • The Constitution allows the King to choose the Australian Government
    • The King may change the Constitution whenever he wishes to do so
    • The King governs the country without any written constitution

    Explanation: Australia has a monarch as Head of State, but the Constitution sets limits on how that role may be used.

  4. 4. Why are the King's powers delegated to the Governor-General?

    • Because the Constitution gives the King no powers at all
    • Because the Prime Minister has asked the King to retire
    • Because the King does not live in Australia
    • Because the King is not permitted to enter Australia

    Explanation: Since the King lives outside Australia, his powers are carried out here by the Governor-General.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet