The Division of Powers
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This poster visually explains how legislative power is divided between the Commonwealth and the states under the Australian Constitution. It highlights exclusive, concurrent and residual powers, and the importance of federalism in preventing the concentration of authority. The design reinforces how shared law‑making responsibilities support accountability, effective governance and the rule of law
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This poster forms part of the Informed Playing Card Project, using a playing‑card design to show how the levels of government divide and limit government power.
Informed: Division of Powers Playing Card
Related Resources
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This fact sheet explains how power is shared across Australia’s three levels of government—Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local—under the federal system created by the Constitution. It outlines the Division of Powers in section 51, the responsibilities retained by the states, the role of local councils, and how High Court interpretation and Commonwealth funding have expanded federal influence. It highlights why dividing power matters for accountability, community responsiveness and protecting people from concentrated authority.
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This classroom activity uses a flood‑crisis scenario to help students apply the Division of Powers by analysing how local, state and federal governments respond during emergencies. Working in groups, students examine town‑specific crisis cards, identify each level of government’s responsibilities, develop a coordinated emergency plan, and present how cooperation across jurisdictions supports effective disaster management under Australia’s federal system
Explore Related Topics
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The Separation of Powers
Explore resources on the separation of powers, explaining how separating power maintains checks on government through independent institutions, defined functions and accountability.
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Federation of Australia
Explore resources on Federation, outlining how Australia became a nation, divided powers, and established the constitutional structures & democratic principles that govern today.
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Checks and Balances on Power
Explore resources on checks and balances, explaining how oversight limits power and ensures decisions remain lawful and accountable through independent scrutiny, and transparent review processes.