Differences in Federalism in Australia and the United States
Australia and the United States (US) are federated nations with a bicameral system of government. Under both federal political systems, sovereignty is constitutionally split between two territorial levels that independent governmental units at state and federal levels have final authority in at least one policy realm. Distinguishing features in terms of the constitutions, structure and functionality in the two federal systems are necessary for effective governing. This essay will identify three main differences in the two federal systems, and review the implications of these differences in terms of federalism in structural and application. First, this essay will address the differences in the constitutions in regards to the separation of powers within the executive and legislature structure. Consequently, as a result of the origin the two constitutions were established upon, the second distinguishing feature of federalism in Australia and the US lies in the appointment and executive powers vested in the head of states. Finally, this essay will examine the difference in voting and party system, and the representation of Independents and minority parties at legislature and executive levels. While the protection of rights and freedom are commonalities, the differences in the two federal systems reflect the context and structure necessary for governing.
Although Australia and the US have similar structure in the separation of powers between the three arms of governance: the legislature, executive and judiciary, Australia has a limited separation of powers compared to the US. Australia and the US federal structures are informed by their Constitutions that differs in the ...
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...justified feature of the US federal political system, this remains a fundamental difference that sets the US apart from Australia.
Federalism in Australia and the US differs in terms of the application. This essay initially outlined the establishment of the two federations, with differences in the application of the separation of power within the legislature and executive, aiming to emphasise differences in the theoretical and practical usage of executive power in a federal context. It then compared the appointment and executive power of the head of state, as well as the voting process and implications for the representation of minorities in two different party systems. Differences with the constitution, state of head, voting process reflect the needs of Australia and the US citizens in a federal context that allow division of power to be effectively maintained.
In conclusion this is why tyranny and federalism, separation of power, checks and balances and big and small states all mean that they are important to know also the branches are a big part especially in the separation of
Australia's federation came about through a process of deliberation, consultation and debate. Before 1901 Australia did not exist as a nation. It was six British colonies, which were self-governed, but under the power of the British Parliament. The colonies were almost like six separate countries. In the 1880s there was so much disorganisation within this system, which caused a belief that a national government was, needed to deal with issues such as trade, defence and immigration saw popular support for federation grow.
The main for a republic is that for Australia to be truly independent, it is essential to sever the ties with the British monarch. Currently the only person who can become the official head of state is the eldest male heir to the British throne. A republic would allow for equality in this respect, as any Australian would be eligible for the positi...
Frist, federalism is the division of power between the provinces and the federal government (Cutler 2010, 3). As well, Federal systems tend to be made up of multiple parts, which do not necessarily work together (Brock 2008, 3). There has been an increase on the study of federalism in recent years, which has created a more in-depth look at how federalism impacts the government. (Farfard Rocher 2009, 294). There are two aspects of federalism and both of them put limitations on the influence of the prime minister. The first is called political asymmetry; this encompasses the various attitudes of the different provinces such as the culture, economic, social and political conditions and how it shapes the relationship between the provincial and federal governments (Brock 2008, 4). This can create a problem for the federal government because it means that they may ha...
The central question of federalism is “Who should do what?” National government supporters believe only a strong central government is capable of ensuring the rights and liberties of its citizens. States’ rights advocates argue for limiting the implied powers of the national government. Federalism was a compromise for the conflict of states’ rights versus central authority. Federalism divides power between the national and the lower level governments with each having distinct powers that the other cannot override. (pg. 46)
Debates over how the division of powers between the states and federal government should be handled have been predominant from the very beginning. The founders understood that this decision would have an enduring influence on the types of policies implemented along with how the impact would be felt by the citizens. This would all be dependent on if the laws were coming from Washing D.C. or the state capitals (Barbour and Wright, 78). In light of this the founders established the United States government based on a fair division of powers between Federal and State governments as highlighted in the constitution and tenth amendment. However, in the past few years I believe the country has shifted towards giving more power to the federal government. In this paper I argue that despite the current transition towards a strong centralized government a balanced system based on the federalism intended by founders is the best option for the distribution of power.
When you think of the “land down under” you don’t really think of the kind of government they have. I chose to write about the Australian government because I really don’t hear much about Australia. It currently has a pretty interesting story to tell when it comes to their government. I became a bit interested in Australian politics when I saw a political animated cartoon on the internet that depicted Kevin Rudd, the last Prime Minister, on a news television show and it was quite humorous. I am going to give a quick history lesson on Australia then go into how the government formed and came to be. Then I will talk about the Australian constitution, the Australian arms of government, their federal system, political parties and Australia’s current Prime Minister.
The first pair I will define and state the significance are separation of powers and federalism. Separation of powers was conceived because of concerns over the thought that the majority would oppress the minority. Instead of giving all power to one, for fear of tyranny and concentrated power, it was divided into three branches which include Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each branch has their separate power in their domain and act independently. Separation of powers was also created to help promote and liberty. Federalism is the dispersal of power between the federal government and each of the states. The United States Constitution allows jurisdiction to the federal government over national affairs and reserves powers to the states over domestic matters. Federalism is more of a balance of power which is divided. Federalism does also layer into each other. The federal government has its duties and power and the state has their own duties and power, however, they also share some of it. For example, maintaining law and order and even borrow money which are concurrent powers. Separation of powers is similar to federalism in a sense because each of them is used to divide power. Separation of powers is different from federalism because separation of powers is divided within the government. Federalism is power granted from the United States Constitution that is delegated to the United States Government and reserves power for each of the states. As you can see, both separation of powers and federalism are keeping one from having too much power.
Federal and state authority differs in order to protect us from any one governing body making all the decisions. This delegation of power seeks to prevent imbalance and helps to create equality. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely (Moreell, 2014)”. This famous saying perhaps portrays the resoning behind the division of power. The Federal g...
The United States Government is beloved to all Americans, in the simple fact that all men are created equal and all men are given equal opportunity, to aspire to achieve success and make their dreams come true. Although the percentage of people who achieve all of their goals in life is fairly small, they have the freedom to chase them and America for the most part is a pretty content place. The “law of the land” that sets the standards for our rights and privileges is the U.S. Constitution.
The federal system is a very complex because it allocates responsibility to state and federal government. Our federal system is one which powers are divided by the central government and state government. They both act directly upon the citizens and must agree with constitutional changes. The division of power among the states and federal government is called federalism. In the past there have been smart president and leader that gave the federal government more power than the states. We have view our country shift powers among the states and central government.
Federalism has a very important impact on american history, it 's based on the relationship between the u.s. government and the each government in our fifty states. That 's very important because we have laws that need to be enforced everyday. The separation of government between state and federal laws can help give us an understanding of what both mean and how big of an impact it has on us as a nation.
The American concept of federalism implies balance. Consequently, a system of checks and balances created by a division of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the national gover...
The Australian Legal System has a rich and detailed history dating from 1066. Law is made in Parliament. We have four sources of law and three courts with different jurisdictions that interpret the law when giving out justice. Important doctrines act as the corner-stones of our legal system. There is a procedure in the courts for making appeals. Separation of powers exists between officials in the courts, the parliament and the Executive. Everyone in Australia is treated equally under the Rule of Law, no matter their office or status. The Law is always changing as society changes, but it can never be perfect and cannot please everyone.
Federalism is a legal concept that is centered around the concept that law is best handled as a two layered responsibility. Federalism is also built on a belief that sharing power with the local government is key to a successful governance. According to the text book, “the United States was the first nation to adopt federalism as its governing framework” (pg83). The following are a few examples of some advantages, as well as disadvantages of Federalism.