Australia’s three-tiered system of government—comprising Federal, State/Territory, and Local levels—is designed to distribute power and manage diverse responsibilities effectively. Which of the following best explains the relationship between the Australian Constitution and these three levels?
- The Constitution defines the powers of the Federal Government and allows for the existence of State governments, but local governments are created under the laws of each State or Territory.Answer
- BThe Constitution explicitly lists the specific responsibilities of all three levels to ensure that local councils have the same legal standing as the Federal Parliament.
- CThe Constitution grants the Federal Government the power to abolish State and Local governments at any time to ensure uniform laws across the country.
Answer
The Australian Constitution defines the powers of the Federal Government and allows for the existence of State governments, but local governments are created under the laws of each State or Territory.
The correct answer accurately reflects that the Australian Constitution provides the legal foundation for the Federal and State levels, but remains silent on local government. Instead, local governments (councils) are 'creatures of statute,' meaning they are established and empowered by the specific laws of each State or Territory to manage community-level services.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The hierarchy and legal origin of the three levels of government.
Hints
1
Think about which document established Australia as a nation in 1901 and what it actually covers.
2
Only two of the three levels of government existed at the time of Federation or are protected by the national Constitution.
3
Local councils are formed by the laws passed in state parliaments, not by the Australian Constitution.
Practice More
Review the specific responsibilities of local councils versus state governments to see how state laws define local duties.
Estimated Time:1m 30s