Courtney Louise

Civics and Citizenship

Australia is a democracy. The Australian form of representative democracy was formalised in

1901 with the formation of the federation. The ideas and beliefs that our democracy is based on
have developed over centuries. They have been tested by time to reduce and limit the power of
those who may not look after everyone in a country or a state. In a democracy,if a government
does not protect its citizens then time starts ticking and they lose their power.

One of the fundamental concepts that is the basis of our democracy is the idea that power must
be separated between different arms of government. Historically, when all arms of government
are controlled by one group or one person (such as a king) individuals or groups have been
persecuted or punished unfairly.

• One arm of government has the role of writing, changing and updating
laws.

• One arm of government puts laws into practice and enforces them.

• One arm of government judges people on the laws created by the other
arms of government.

Another important role of each branch is to provide a ‘check or balance’ on

the power of the others. If one branch becomes too powerful or starts to
act unlawfully than the other branches will make sure that they protect
Australian citizens.
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1) Draw the separation of powers with symbols that you think represent the role of each arm.
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2) In pairs research the role of each arm (or branch) of government in Australia and complete the table. You may
choose to use google and resources such as the Parliamentary Education Office or your class textbook.
Arms of government Role of the branch in practice An example of the role of the branch from recent
times
Executive branch The role of the executive branch in Australia is to…

Legislative branch

Judicial branch 

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Teachers master copy

1) Draw or find images for the separation of powers with symbols that you think represent the role of each arm.

Executive (one arm) Legislature (one arm) Judiciary (one arm)

Symbols could include a crown Writing Courts

Parliament house (state or federal) Debate Judges
Prime Minister/Ministers Law Judges wigs
Governer-general Two houses of parliament Gavel
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2) In pairs research the role of each arm (or branch) of government in Australia and complete the table. You may
choose to use google and resources such as the Parliamentary Education Office or your class textbook. You may need to
talk students through the definitions and descriptions that they will find. These are detailed answers and students may
not find all of the information, use your judgement to decide if they have included enough detail for their year or skill
level.
Arms of government Role of the branch in practice and people who are part of An example of the role of the branch from recent
the branch times
Executive branch The role of the executive branch in Australia is to… You could provide students with examples that they can
• Exercise authority. match to each branch.
• The executive branch forms government. Your examples may depend on the ages you are
• They also put laws into action and enforce them. teaching.
• The Governer General is part of the Federal executive and Extend students by having them find examples or check
gives bills a royal ascent on behalf of the Queen. textbooks for the examples they provide.
• Prime-Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Governer-General
Legislature branch The Legislature makes laws by debating bills. The Australian
Parliament has two houses (bicameral) and bills must pass
both houses of parliament to become law.
If the courts decide a law needs to be updated or changed
through common law than Parliament will review and update
laws.
The members of parliament also keep a check/balance on the
power of the executive.
Judicial branch The courts make up the judicial branch. State and Federal
Courts interpret the law and apply it to criminal and civil cases.
The High Court interprets the constitution, makes decisions on
international law and is the highest court of appeal.
The courts also keep checks and balances on the power of the
executive and legislature.