Backbencher

Lecture seven titled Politics: Commonwealth and Dominion talked about the evolution of politics in Australia and New Zealand, and how the styles of government have shifted from traditional monarchy to republicanism. I found it interesting that Australia started as a colony of England the same as the United States, and then ended up with a government similar to ours with a state and federal government. New Zealand has more of a federal government, with all the power centralized but since it is a relatively small area the government proves effective. Also both countries have two party systems. The creation of the Commonwealth in 1901 basically started the organization of politics in Australia and that was the beginning of the division of liberal and labour. Australia is less extensive of a welfare state as compared to New Zealand. I found most of this lecture interesting, but as with politics anywhere it is not the most interesting thing for me. I do think it will be interesting for the people of Australia, to get use to the new prime minister that took over for the Labour party in 2007.