Separation of powers
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 26 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- The Constitution divides power into three, so no one person or group holds all the power:
- Legislative power — to make and change laws: Parliament.
- Executive power — to put laws into practice: the Prime Minister, ministers and the Governor-General. Ministers run government departments.
- Judicial power — to interpret and apply the law: judges and courts, which are independent of parliament and government.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. The Australian Constitution divides the power of government into which three powers?
- Legislative, executive and judicial
- Federal, state and local government
- Electoral, legislative and judicial
Show answer
Answer: A. Legislative, executive and judicial
The Constitution divides power between the legislative, executive and judicial powers.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
2. Who does the Executive include?
- Judges, magistrates and the Chief Justice of the High Court
- The Leader of the Opposition and the Electoral Commission
- The Prime Minister, government ministers and the Governor-General
Show answer
Answer: C. The Prime Minister, government ministers and the Governor-General
The Executive includes the Prime Minister, Australian government ministers and the Governor-General.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
3. Who is responsible for government departments?
- Ministers
- Mayors
- Governors
Show answer
Answer: A. Ministers
Ministers are responsible for government departments.
Our Common Bond, p. 26
Practise all 10 questions on this topic