What+is+a+Senate?-Zoe

What is a Senate

 The **Senate** is the Upper House of the Parliament of Australia, the Lower House being the House of Representatives. Senators are popularly elected, normally to terms of six years.

There are seventy-six senators, twelve for each state and two each for the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory. Significant power is conferred upon the Senate by the Australian Constitution, including the ability to block legislation initiated by the government in the House of Representatives.

Most legislation in the Australian Parliament is initiated by the Government, which has control over the lower house. It is then passed to the Senate, which may amend the bill or refuse to pass it. If the Senate repeatedly refuses to pass legislation initated in the lower house, the Government may either abandon the bill, continue to revise it, or call a double dissolution.

Political parties which currently have representation in the Senate: Australian Democrats, Greens, Australian Labour Party, Liberal National Part, One Nation.

By Zoe

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