pre-federation
Before the Federation of Australia in 1901, Australia was not a united nation, but six separate self-governed colonies which were Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia. These six colonies had separate leaders and laws.
Photo 1 - Australia 6 separate colonies before Federation. Photo 2 - January 1st, 1901, Crowds at Centennial Park celebrate the inauguration. Sydney, NSW
Federation
In 1901, Australia became a federation which meant that all six colonies agreed to unite and form the Commonwealth of Australia. When Australia did become a federation, the six colonies kept their own individual system of government but decided to have a federal government that was in charge of discussing and sorting matters that involved the entire country. A Prime minister was then elected to be the leader of the federal government, the first Prime Minister was Sir Edmund Barton.
Photo 3 - Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act Photo 4 - Australia with Flag
the constitution
On January 1st, 1901 when Australia became a federation the constitution was made. The constitution is a group of rules in which Australia is run by. Since created, the constitution has played a major part in shaping Australia's society. It is currently kept in Parliament house.