[1] These constitutional documents set down Queensland as a constitutional monarchy operating under the Westminster system, with a parliament composed of the Legislative Assembly and the King exercising legislative powers, an executive made up of ministers and the premier appointed to act on behalf of the governor, and a judiciary made up of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.

However, except where valid Commonwealth laws conflict with the laws of Queensland, the Parliament of Queensland retains plenary legislative power[2] The Constitution defines the structure, powers and function of the three arms of government: The constitution also defines the role of the governor.

Under the constitution, governmental authority is nominally vested in the governor of Queensland (currently Jeannette Young) on behalf of the Crown and who is appointed by the Monarch (currently Charles III) on the advice of the Premier of Queensland.

The governor's role is mostly ceremonial, however they serve constitutional roles such as, presiding over meetings of the Executive Council, summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament on the advice of the Premier, giving Royal Assent to Bills passed by the Parliament, appointing all ministers of state, appointing and removing officials on the advice of the Executive Council, issuing writs for Queensland State Elections and for the election of Queensland representatives in the Australian Senate, on the advice of the Executive Council and granting pardons or commutations.

The constitution contains entrenched provisions which can only be amended by way of referendum.