Australia has a parliamentary form of democracy. Its head of government is a prime minister, chosen by the party or group of parties that holds a majority in the two-house parliament. Like Canada, Australia recognizes the Queen of England as its monarch. However, the Queen has no political power. She is essentially a figurehead representing Australia's links to the Commonwealth of Nations .
Australia is a close military ally of the United States. The United States maintains special facilities in Australia for radio communication with space satellites and ships at sea.