Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901, when the six colonies federated. The legal basis for Federation was provided by the Australian Constitution, which sets out the basic rules for our system of government. It tells us how power is shared and exercised by our political and legal institutions. The Constitution was drafted at conventions in the 1890s, and endorsed by the Australian people through a series of referendums. It is our supreme law, binding us together, and underpinning many aspects of our daily lives.

The National Archives holds many records documenting the creation and evolution of the Australian Constitution. The collection also includes a rich store of other material relating to Federation.

The work of designing a political and legal framework for the new nation was undertaken by two conventions in the 1891 and 1897–98. After some further changes, the draft Constitution was endorsed by Australian electors at a series of referendums in 1899. Finally the bill was passed by the British Parliament, becoming law on 9 July 1900, when Queen Victoria gave her assent.

Constitution timeline – browse the events surrounding the creation and evolution of the Constitution.

The National Australasian Convention, 1891

The possibility of federation had been talked about for many years, but it was not until the Australian Federation Conference in 1890 that the colonies decided on a process for the drafting of a federal constitution.

Each Australian colony agreed to send seven delegates, appointed by parliament, to a national convention where a draft constitution would be prepared. Two delegates from New Zealand also attended.

The National Australasian Convention opened in Sydney on 2 March 1891. By 9 April the draft Constitution was complete.

While Henry Parkes moved the resolutions upon which the work of the convention was based, it was Samuel Griffith, the premier of Queensland, who took on the burden of leadership. Griffith chaired the critical Committee on Constitutional Machinery and undertook most of the drafting.

To explore the National Archives holdings of records created by the 1891 Convention, search for its organisation number – CO 73 – in RecordSearch then click on the buttons to display lists of agencies, series and items.

Australasian Federal Convention, 1897–98

Despite the success of the 1891 Convention, political ructions in New South Wales delayed acceptance of the draft bill and threatened the movement towards federation.

In 1895, the premiers agreed to restart the process, adopting John Quick's suggestion for another convention. In each colony, except Queensland, enabling legislation was introduced providing for the election of ten representatives to the new convention.

The Australasian Federal Convention opened in Adelaide on 22 March 1897. Using the 1891 bill as the basis for their deliberations, a new draft of the constitution was substantially complete by 23 April. Unlike the 1891 Convention, however, time was then allowed for reflection and consultation before the Conventioned convened again in Sydney on 2 September to reconsider the draft. More amendments were made in the final session of the Convention, held across a hot summer in Melbourne from 22 January.

On 16 March 1898, Edmund Barton, who had taken on Griffith's role as the leader of the Convention and the primary draftsman, successfully moved that the amended bill be adopted. The Convention closed the following day, with congratulations all round.

To explore the National Archives holdings of records created by the 1891 Convention, search for its organisation number – CO 48 – in RecordSearch then click on the buttons to display lists of agencies, series and items.

Western Australia had yet to endorse the Constitution when it was passed by the British Parliament. A separate proclamation had to be issued after the WA referendum to set the date for Federation – 1 January 1901.

The coming of Federation was celebrated all over the country. In Sydney, large crowds gathered to watch the official procession before the nation's inauguration was confirmed at a ceremony in Centennial Park.

In the National Archives you can find records and photographs relating to Federation and the early history of the nation. You can begin exploring these records online by looking at:

• Federation: The Guide to Records – a comprehensive online guide to Federation records around Australia, including a selection of images and documents
• Federation album – an attractive selection of images and records from the National Archives collection

You can also search for records in RecordSearch using keywords such as 'federation' or 'inauguration'.