Federation and culture: Reflections on the Australian Constitution

Unlike other countries, the Australian Constitution is not a wide-ranging statement of citizens' rights. However, it has served its people for over a century as the foundation of Australia's democracy and the Commonwealth government. This article offers some reflections on the Constitution with particular reference to events and themes that preceded and followed its accomplishment; the significance of the Eureka Stockade in establishing a system of government through a Constitution that entrusts ultimate sovereignty in the people; s 116 of the Constitution - the express guarantee conferring freedom of religion; and the consequences arising from the implementation of the White Australia policy.