The Australian Constitution

Topic Outline

The Australian political system is dynamic and is organised around a constitution which sets out the structures and rules of government in Australia. In a formal sense, the Constitution is not easy to change and its written form remains largely unaltered since it was first adopted.

The relative stability of the Constitution and the dynamic nature of the political system account for both cooperation and conflict in Australian politics. This situation raises questions about the mechanisms in the Australian political system which allow it to maintain its dynamic political nature while operating under a near-static Constitution.

The study of the Australian Constitution will include:

• aspects of federalism
  • origins
  • features
  • strengths and weaknesses

• Commonwealth-State relations
  • division of powers
  • financial relationships
  • cooperation and conflict

• the High Court
  • role and structure
  • significant decisions
  • controversial aspects

• Governor-General
  • roles
  • constitutional powers
  • controversial aspects

• constitutional reform
  • methods of change
  • current proposals for reform
  • arguments for and against change and/or proposed reforms

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