Federal, State and Territory governments
In Australia, power is divided between federal, state and territory governments.
Federal laws made by parliament must pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and be signed by the Governor-General.
Queen Elizabeth II and Governor-General of Australia General David Hurley Source: Getty Images/ WPA Pool / Pool
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives, often called the Lower House, is comprised of 151 members from electorates across Australia.
It determines the government, passes laws, monitors administration and debates issues of national importance. After an election, government is formed by the party who has the most representatives in the Lower House.
The leader of the party with the most representatives in the Lower House becomes the Prime Minister.
The House of Representatives at Parliament House on March 29, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. Source: Getty Images/ Martin Ollman / Stringer
The Senate
The Senate, often called the Upper House, is comprised of 76 members - twelve from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories.
Its main role is to review legislation that comes from the Lower House.
Senators serve a six-year term with half the Senate elected every three years during the federal election.
The Senate at Parliament House Canberra Australia July 04 2019 Source: Getty Images/Tracey Nearmy / Stringer
Australian Federal Government arms
The Australian Federal Government is divided into three arms: legislature, executive and judiciary.
The legislature, also known as the Parliament of Australia, is made up of democratically-elected representatives from around Australia. It is responsible for debating and voting on new laws to be introduced under the power of section 51 of the Constitution.
The executive is the administrative arm of government. It is responsible for enacting and upholding the laws established by the legislature.
The judiciary is the legal arm of government, independent of the legislature and the executive. Its role is to enforce Australia's laws. It must also ensure that the other arms of government do not act beyond their constitutional powers.
Commonwealth of Australia coat of arms above the entrance to Old Parliament House, Parkes, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Source: Getty Images/Simon McGill
Elections
In Australia the Federal Government is elected by compulsory voting.
The Federal Election takes place approximately every three years. All Australian citizens aged 18 years or over are required to enrol and vote.