Separation of powers and the Federal election
Lesson 2

What is the separation of powers?

The ‘separation of powers’ is the principle that the power to make and manage laws should be shared between different groups—the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary—to avoid one group having all the power.

The first 3 chapters of the Australian Constitution define the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary in Australia and the roles they play in making and managing laws in Australia. Each group has their own area of responsibility, and they keep a check on the actions of the others.

Separation of powers in Australia