Module 3 – Lesson 4- Who is Australia’s Head of state ?

His Majesty King, also known as the King of Australia, is the country’s Head of State. He is represented in Australia by the Governor-General, whom she appoints with the Prime Minister of Australia’s recommendation. The Governor-General serves without regard for any political party. The King has no direct role in the day-to-day government of Australia. Every state has a Governor who represents the King in that state in the same manner that the Governor-General represents the King across Australia. Every state has a Governor who represents the king in that state in the same manner as the Governor-General represents the King throughout the country.

Because Australia is a constitutional monarchy, the King, despite being the Head of State, is governed by the laws of the Constitution. Because the King does not live in Australia, her powers are exercised on her behalf by the Governor-General.

Australia has a unique Parliamentary democracy system that mixes British and North American traditions. The Prime Minister is in charge of the Australian government.