Australia

Question 1

Describe the political system

Answer 1

Has a mixed system of government:

• Representative democracy: they vote for members of parliament to make laws on their behalf
• Constitutional monarchy: Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State, but does not have absolute power and must follow the Australian Constitution
• Uses preferential voting system: voters are required to mark a preference for every candidate on the green ballot paper (House of Representatives)…also has to mark a preference for a designated number of preferneces on the white ballot paper (Senate)

Question 2

Describe the school system

Answer 2

• Kindergarten and then 12 years of primary and secondary school
• It’s free to attend school

Question 3

Describe the healthcare system

Answer 3

• Regionally administered, universal public health insurance program, called MediCare
• Financed through general tax revenue and government levys

Question 4

Describe Australia’s culture

Answer 4

• Primarily a western culture, originally derived from the UK but also influenced by the unique geography of Australia

Question 5

Describe the religion in the country

Answer 5

• The majority are Christians, which includes Catholics, Orthodoxes, Baptists etc.
• Australia has freedom of religion