Final answer:
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act is the foundational legal document that established the federal government structure of Australia in 1901, outlined the division of powers, and proposed a new federal capital. It details the roles of the parliament, the executive, and the judiciary, with the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act established the framework for the governance of Australia when it federated in 1901. This Act created a federal structure, allowing states to maintain their individual differences while governing under a common federation. The constitution provided guidelines for the establishment of a parliament, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and outlined the division of powers between the federal government and the states. It also proposed the creation of a new federal capital, which later became Canberra. Although the British monarch remains the ceremonial head of state, Australia is governed by a democratically elected government. Over the years, there have been discussions about severing the constitutional links with the British Crown, but such movements have not passed.
Constitutions are critical as they lay down the basic legal principles of a nation, determining the government structure, its duties, and citizens' rights. While some countries do not have a single written constitution, Australia's constitution is a single, formal document. It serves as the supreme law of the land, asserting that all duties within the nation must align with its constitution and values.