What is the role of a British monarch & a Prime Minister in Australia & New Zealand? How are they appointed/elected?
In Australia and New Zealand, the role of the British monarch and the Prime Minister are distinct.
The British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, is the ceremonial head of state in both countries. Their role is mainly symbolic and representative. They perform ceremonial duties, such as opening and closing Parliament, giving royal assent to laws, and representing the country on state visits. However, the British monarch's powers are mostly exercised on the advice of elected officials.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister is the head of government and holds the executive power. They are responsible for leading the government, making policy decisions, and implementing legislation. The Prime Minister is elected by the members of the Parliament and is typically the leader of the political party or coalition that holds the majority of seats in the Parliament. The leader of the political party or coalition is determined through general elections, where citizens vote for their preferred candidates.
It's important to note that the British monarch's role as the head of state in Australia and New Zealand is more of a constitutional one, and their influence on day-to-day governance is limited. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, holds significant executive powers and is directly accountable to the Parliament and the people.
To find specific information on the appointment or election processes of the British monarch and the Prime Minister in Australia and New Zealand, you can refer to the respective countries' constitutions, legislative frameworks, or government websites.