On 1 January 1901, the six separate British colonies in Australia officially united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Under the new Australian Constitution established at that time, what happened to the legal status and power of these colonies?
- They became states and shared the power to make laws with the new Federal Parliament.Answer
- BThey were abolished as separate entities and were governed entirely by the British Parliament in London.
- CThe Federal Parliament took over all of their responsibilities, including the management of local schools and hospitals.
Answer
The colonies became states and shared the power to make laws with the Federal Parliament.
The correct answer reflects the 'Division of Powers' established in 1901. When the six colonies federated, they did not disappear; instead, they became states within a new national framework. The Australian Constitution ensured that while a new central (Federal) Parliament would handle national issues like defense and trade, the states would continue to have their own parliaments and the power to make laws for their own residents.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Division of Powers at Federation
Hints
1
Think about whether Australia has only one parliament or if different states still have their own.
2
Federation means 'joining together' but keeping some individual identity. Did the colonies give up everything, or just share some things?
3
The term for this system is 'Federalism'. It involves a central government and several state governments working together under one Constitution.
Practice More
Review the specific differences between Federal and State responsibilities to better understand the 'Division of Powers' concept.
Estimated Time:1m 0s