Concentric Circles with Discussion Questions about Separation of Powers

Learning Intentions

Demonstrate sound understanding of the Separation of Powers and its role, and describes the importance of the Separation of Powers as a check on power in Australia’s governance

Materials

• A list of discussion questions (provided below)

• Space for students to form two concentric circles (chairs optional)

• Timer or bell for rotation cues

Step 1: Introduction (5min-10mins)

• Show the students the card they will be discussing today.

• As a class, read through the Separation of Powers fact sheet together and discuss the concepts.

Step 2: Activity Setup (5 mins)

• Show the students the card they will be discussing today.

• Arrange students into two equal groups. One group forms the inner circle (facing outward), and the other forms the outer circle (facing inward). Each student should be face-to-face with a partner.

• Explain the format: Students will discuss a question with their partner for 1–2 minutes. Then the outer circle rotates one person to the right.

• Continue rotating after each questionShow the students the card they will be discussing today.

Step 3: Discussion Questions in the circles (1–2 mins per question)

• What are the three branches of government in Australia, and what does each one do?

• Why is it important that no single branch has all the power?

• Can you think of an example where the Judiciary might disagree with the Executive?

• Should politicians have the power to overrule judges? Why or why not?

• How does the separation of powers protect individual rights?

• Do you think the separation of powers works well in Australia? Why or why not?

• What could happen in a country without a separation of powers?

• Which branch of government do you think is the most powerful in practice? Why?

• How can citizens hold each branch of government accountable?

• If you could be part of one branch of government, which would you choose and why?

Step 4: Debrief (5–10 mins)

After the final rotation, gather the class together and discuss:

• What ideas came up most often?

• Did anyone change their opinion after talking to different people?

• What’s one new thing you learned about the separation of powers?

• Why do you think the separation of power is important?

Tags: separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, constitutional law, Australian government, civics education