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Strengths and Weaknesses of the Australian Constitution

            The Commonwealth Constitution is the primary source of law for Australia and provides a stable structure of government. Since its inception in 1901 the constitution has had many supporters but also many skeptics, both of which have their own ideas on the strengths or weaknesses of it. The Australian Constitution has many strengths and weaknesses to it. A major strength of the constitution is that the three main institutions of government (legislature, executive and judiciary) were created following the principles of separation of powers. This means that no one institution can obtain dominating power over any other institution within government. This helps to follow theory that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The constitution outlines the British Monarchy as being the hereditary head of state. The monarchy has served Australia well since federation, despite the recent objection to it that ultimately led to a referendum on the republic issue. They have provided the foundations for stable political leadership within the country. .
             Federal and state parliaments (except Queensland) are bicameral, meaning they consist of two houses of equal legislative standing which are independent from one another. A main function of the Lower House is to initiate supply bills where as the upper house is unable to do this but instead is used primarily to review the bills passed in the Lower House. Generally the government doesn't have a majority in the Upper House which creates a strong system of checks and balances in the legislative arm of government. Australia has a responsible system of government, which is a modified version of the conventions in British Westminster system. The two long standing major political parties (Liberal and Labour) have helped the stability of the constitutional system and the numerous minor parties have kept pressure on the major parties while at the same time offering the public a wide variety of alternatives.


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