What is the role of the Federal Executive Council?

The Federal Executive Council plays a crucial role in the Australian government as it is composed of the Governor-General and Ministers of the Crown. Its primary function is to advise the Governor-General on various governmental matters, which often includes the formal approval of government decisions and policies. The Council does not create legislation for state governments or oversee the legislative process in Parliament directly; instead, it acts as a bridge between the executive branch and the Governor-General, facilitating the necessary advice and recommendations based on the decisions made by the Cabinet.

In contrast to the other options, which misrepresent the functions of the Federal Executive Council, the role of advising the Governor-General and providing insights into government work aligns closely with the principles of the Westminster style of governance, where the executive operates under the authority of the Crown. This advisory role underscores the importance of the Federal Executive Council in ensuring that the ceremonial and formal aspects of governance are maintained while supporting the operational duties of the government.