Australia is a constitutional monarchy where the Governor-General represents the King. Although the Australian Constitution grants the Governor-General various executive powers, such as the authority to appoint ministers and judges, these powers are governed by constitutional conventions. In practice, how are these powers exercised in the day-to-day governing of Australia?
- The Governor-General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and senior ministers who are responsible to the Parliament.Answer
- BThe Governor-General makes independent decisions to serve as a non-political check on the power of the Prime Minister.
- CThe Governor-General follows direct instructions sent by the King from the United Kingdom to ensure consistency across the Commonwealth.
Answer
The Governor-General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and senior ministers who are responsible to the Parliament.
In the Australian system of government, the Governor-General acts as the King's representative and, by constitutional convention, exercises executive power only on the advice of the Prime Minister and senior ministers. This ensures that executive actions are performed by an unelected representative but are directed by the elected representatives who are responsible to the Parliament and the Australian people.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Constitutional Convention and the Exercise of Executive Power
Hints
1
Consider who is actually elected by the people to run the country and how that person interacts with the Governor-General.
2
Think about the concept of 'Responsible Government'—to whom must the people making the actual decisions be accountable?
3
While the Constitution says the Governor-General 'may' do certain things, they almost never do them without the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Practice More
Research the 'Federal Executive Council' to see the formal setting where this advice is officially given to the Governor-General.
Estimated Time:1m 30s