Sir Edmund Barton was the first Australian Prime Minister who was a strong crusader of federalism, supporting a united commonwealth. He also strongly advocated the practice of trade without any restrictions posed by duties and taxes. He began his political career as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the 'University of Sydney' electoral division. He was later appointed to the districts of Wellington and East Sydney, during which he was also appointed as a speaker to the Legislative Assembly. He was initially a member of George Dibbs' government, later moving on to the party of Henry Parkes. In his struggle to get federal policies introduced into the constitution, he was supported by his friend Richard O'Connor and his successor Alfred Deakin. In the early 1900s, with his increased popularity, he was appointed the Prime Minister of Australia. He remained in office for around two years, introducing important reforms, before resigning to establish the High Court of Australia, where he served as a judge till his death. This celebrated political leader is the recipient of four knighthoods, of which he accepted only one. Even today, he is revered by many, and several places in Australia are named after this brilliant leader as a tribute