A Federal Republic: Australia's Constitutional System of GovernmentThis provocative book, first published in 1995, argues that Australia is already a federal republic rather than a constitutional monarchy. It argues that by adopting a federal constitution in 1901 Australians ensured their status as a sovereign people. While the book does not deny the parliamentary and monarchic elements of the Australian system, it calls for a positive reassessment of the Constitution. Brian Galligan forcefully argues that the Australian Constitution has primacy over the other political institutions of the nation. The book considers fundamental issues that arise in discussion of the Constitution and federalism, including the role of the Senate, the possibility of a bill of rights, the way the High Court fits into the current system and the nature of governmental relations. This book will overturn the orthodoxies of much informed opinion and will challenge republicans and monarchists alike. Brian Galligan's unique perspective as a political scientist throws light on many aspects of federalism and will stimulate wide debate. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
A Federal Republic: Australia's Constitutional System of Government Brian Galligan No preview available - 1995 |
Common terms and phrases
American Australian Constitution Australian federalism Australian political Australian referendum Bill Hayden bill of rights centralisation chapter claimed colonies Commission Committee Commonwealth parliament Commonwealth powers conference Consti constitutional change constitutional system convention democracy democratic division of powers draft economic elected electors entailed entrenched established executive executive government favour federal Constitution federal Labor federal republic federal system Federation Debates fiscal federalism formal function Galligan Garran grants Hawke High Court House of Representatives human rights initiatives institutional intergovernmental relations interpretation issue judicial review jurisdiction Keating Labor Government Labor Party legislative power levels of government liberal Lionel Murphy Loan Council majoritarian majority ment Menzies monarchic money bills national government parliamentary responsible government parliamentary sovereignty popular postwar Prime Minister principle proposals protection Queensland referendum reform republican role Senate Senate's South Wales sovereign sovereignty system of government tion traditional tralian tution vertical fiscal imbalance voting Western Australia Whitlam