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How is the power of government controlled? · 1 min read

How is the power of government controlled?

The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between the legislative (Parliament), executive (for example the Prime Minister and the Cabinet) and judicial powers (judges), to stop one person, or one group, from holding all the power.

Test yourself on this topic

2 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between which three arms?

    • Ministers, state premiers and local mayors
    • Legislative, executive and judicial powers
    • Federal, state and local council powers
    • Police, defence and public service powers

    Explanation: Power is shared between the parliament that makes laws, the executive that carries them out, and the judges who apply them.

  2. 2. Why does the Australian Constitution divide the power of government?

    • To stop one person or group from holding all the power
    • To reduce the number of elections held
    • To make sure laws are written more quickly
    • To allow the Prime Minister to overrule the courts

    Explanation: Splitting power keeps any single person or group from controlling everything.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet