Separation of powers
1 min · 3 practice questions
The Australian Constitution divides the power of government between legislative power (making laws), executive power (putting them into practice) and judicial power (applying and interpreting them). This division is called the separation of powers.
What Our Common Bond says
- The Australian Constitution divides government power between legislative, executive and judicial powers.
- This division is known as the separation of powers.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the separation of powers (legislative / executive / judicial) with the division between federal, state and local government.
- Thinking one branch — such as the courts or the executive — holds all government power.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 28 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 3
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked