Australian Citizenship Practice Exam

The major political party system in Australia is characterized as a two-party system, primarily between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party. This system has significant historical and structural roots, with these two parties dominating the political landscape for many decades.

In practice, the two-party system means that most elections are contested primarily between these parties, and they hold the majority of seats in the federal parliament. This leads to a political environment where one of these parties typically forms the government, and the other serves as the main opposition. While other parties do exist and can influence politics, their presence often doesn't lead to significant changes in governance compared to the two large parties.

Understanding this system is crucial for grasping how legislative power is structured, how votes are cast, and how political discussions unfold in Australia. The effectiveness and influence of minor parties or independents, while important, do not alter the overarching presence of the Liberal and Labor Parties in the political framework.