Australian Constitutional Evolution
The beauty of the Australian constitutional system is that it has evolved over the centuries through trial and error.
Much was inherited from Britain.
From the Magna Carta of 1215 down to the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and through the development of the Westminster system, we have a rich treasure which we have adapted to our own needs and made Australian.
Until the Federation, our constitutional system came wholly from Britain.
Although given legal effect by the British and although first proposed by them, the Constitution of our "indissoluble Federal Commonwealth under the Crown" was drafted by Australians in Australia and approved by the people in each of the Australian colonies, or as they consequently became the Australian States.
Our Founding Fathers not only borrowed from Britain. They wanted the best. So they also looked to Switzerland for the referendum and the United States for a powerful Senate.
Federation established our nation. So, we have divided our examination into two periods: Before Federation and From Federation.
