Resource
Separation of Powers Sorting Cards
Sort eighteen action and institution cards under the three branches.
Preview the student activity
Download printer-friendly student PDFCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
What children do
Sort eighteen action and institution cards under the three branches.
Download
- Colour student PDF — 3 pages (A4 portrait).
- Printer-friendly student PDF — black outlines and white backgrounds.
- Separate answers and educator notes.
Age and preparation
Years 5–7. Allow around 20 minutes. A4 paper, pencils and scissors; optional glue. Print at actual size.
Use the activity
Model one example, then let children work alone or with a partner. Keep the key separate until they are ready to check. Open tasks include sample responses and fair assessment guidance.
Accept spoken answers, pointing or a partner scribe when writing is a barrier. For a challenge, ask learners to explain the clue behind an answer. Colour never determines a factual answer.
Scope and accuracy
Classify the action described. Australia does not have a complete separation: ministers also sit in Parliament. The executive administers government; courts apply and interpret law in cases.
Factual sources
Reviewed on 2 October 2026 against official Australian sources. Original wording and illustrations are used; official artwork and ballot designs are not reproduced.
