This Act of the British Parliament set out the blueprint for the new nation of Australia. The Constitution, drafted at conventions in 1891 and 1897-8, is included as section nine of the Act.

As well as providing the framework for federation, the Constitution established the legal and political structures that continue to shape the lives of all Australians.

More information about the history and significance of the Constitution, including a full transcript, can be found on the Documenting a Democracy website.