1. Australia consists of six states and two territories.
2. The main legislative body in the country is Senate.
3. Federal Parliament consists of the Queen, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
4. The members of the Senate are elected for a six-year term.
5. There are seven senators from each state and five from each territory in the Senate.
6. The executive power belongs to Federal Parliament.
Political system of Australia
Australia is a constitutional monarchy, with the Queen of Great Britain at its head.
It consists of six states and two territories.
The queen is represented by the Governor General, who is appointed by the Australian government. The Governor General appoints members of the Executive Council, his advisory cabinet.
The main legislative body in the country is Federal Parliament. It consists of the Queen, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The members of the Senate are elected for a six-year term. There are ten senators from each state and two from each territory in the Senate. The House of Representatives is elected by general direct vote for a three-year term.
The executive power belongs to the queen and the government. It is headed by the Prime Minister. The ministers are chosen from members of Parliament and the Executive Council.
There are two major political parties in Australia: the Australian Labour party and a coalition of the Liberal and the Agrarian parties.
Till the 1930s Australia mostly depended upon Great Britain in its political affairs. But in 1931 Australia became fully independent from Great Britain.
The Australian Constitution took effect on January 1st 1901. There are six state-governments (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania), two self-governing territories (the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory), and a national government (also called Commonwealth government).
The Commonwealth parliament can make laws about external affairs, interstate and international trade, defense and immigration. The state parliaments cannot make laws that are inconsistent with Commonwealth laws.
The national legislative power is divided between two chambers, or “Houses”: the House of Representatives and the Senate, both directly elected by the Australian people. The Australian government is formed by the party or coalition of parties that has the majority in the House of Representatives. Currently, Malcolm Turnbull is a Prime Minister.
In Australia, every citizen that has turned eighteen has to vote or he will have to pay a small penalty, resulting in a participation rate of more that 90%! Each citizen has to vote for the elections of the three “levels”: national, state or territorial, and local.
The states have two Houses each, except for Queensland, and the territories have one House. State parliaments and governments are responsible for: law and order, consumer affairs, health, education, forestry, public transports and main roads.
There are two main political forces in Australia. The political system in Australia is therefore a two-party system:
• A coalition of the Liberal and National Parties (which has governed Australia for periods totaling more than 40 years)
• The Australian Labor party (which has governed Australia for periods totaling 20 years).
New year in my family.
New Years is soon! New Year is the most wonderful holiday. Everyone loves him, and I am no exception. Everyone meets this main winter holiday in different ways, but they wish the same thing: happiness, good luck and health!
It is customary for our family to celebrate the New Year at home, in the circle of dear and close people. We are never bored together. On New Year's Eve, we begin to prepare for the celebration.
We decorate our tree and rooms with garlands, toys and tinsel. We take out a festive tablecloth and dishes. Every year, mom prepares a lot of tasty things for the festive table, there is always a dish with the symbol of the coming year.
New Year’s is a holiday that we are always looking forward to. It is a time that we spend with our families and friends, relaxing and exchanging presents. Each family has its own traditions and customs and the way they spend this day.
Новый год - это праздник, которого мы всегда с нетерпением ждем. Это время, которое мы проводим с нашими семьями и друзьями, отдыхая и обмениваясь подарками. У каждой семьи есть свои традиции и обычаи и то, как они проводят этот день.
As for me and my family, we consider New Year’s a family holiday and always spend it together. We start preparing for this very carefully, usually several days before the celebration. It’s always very important to choose the right presents for the whole family and friends. Generally, we tell each other what we want for a gift, but sometimes we give each other surprise presents. It is my favorite part of the New Year’s preparations because I like to look out for perfect gifts for my family.
Что касается меня и моей семьи, мы считаем Новый год семейным праздником и всегда проводим его вместе. Мы начинаем готовиться к нему очень тщательно, обычно за несколько дней до празднования. Всегда очень важно правильно выбрать подарки для всей семьи и друзей. Обычно, мы говорим друг другу, что именно мы хотим получить в подарок, но иногда делаем друг другу сюрпризы. Это моя любимая часть новогодних приготовлений, потому что мне нравится искать идеальные подарки для моей семьи.
In the middle of December, we buy a New Year’s tree, which we decorate with my parents. It’s a tradition because it brings us together and we really have fun doing it. Also, before New Year’s Day, we always clean the house and create a festive atmosphere. I like to decorate the house with paper snowflakes, candles, and garlands.
В середине декабря мы покупаем новогоднюю елку, которую украшаем вместе с родителями. Это традиция, которая она объединяет нас, и нам действительно весело этим заниматься. Также перед Новым годом мы всегда убираемся в доме и создаем праздничную атмосферу. Я люблю украшать дом снежинками, свечами и гирляндами.
My mother and I always cook a holiday meal together. Usually, we make a lot of different traditional food. For example, Olivier salad, dressed herring, kholodets, different pies and we also bake cookies. Our table for the celebration is always covered with delicious food.
Мы с мамой всегда готовим праздничную еду вместе. Обычно мы делаем много разных традиционных блюд. Например, салат Оливье, сельдь под шубой, холодец, разные пироги и, кроме того, мы печем печенье. Наш праздничный стол всегда полон вкусной еды.
When it’s almost midnight we gather at the celebratory table to say good-bye to the outgoing year and to wish the best to each other. It is a family tradition to watch a holiday concert on TV and to listen to the president's speech. After that, we exchange gifts and then go outside to watch fireworks, to take a walk, to meet our neighbors and congratulate everyone with the New Year. Sometimes we like to play snowballs.
Когда уже почти полночь, мы собираемся за праздничным столом, чтобы попрощаться с уходящим годом и пожелать друг другу всего наилучшего. У нас есть семейная традиция - смотреть праздничный концерт по телевизору и слушать речь президента. После этого мы обмениваемся подарками, а затем выходим на улицу, чтобы посмотреть фейерверк, погулять, встретиться с соседями и поздравить всех с Новым годом. Иногда нам нравится играть в снежки.
After that we go home, we play guitar and exchange gifts. It is a happy time because I can see the joy on the faces of my family members. I like New Year's the most because it gives genuine emotion of happiness and family unity.
После этого мы идем домой, играем на гитаре и обмениваемся подарками. Это счастливое время, потому что я вижу радость на лицах членов моей семьи. Мне больше всего нравится Новый год, потому что он дарит подлинную эмоцию счастья и единства семьи.