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How is Australia governed? · 1 min read

The Senate

The Senate is the other House in the Australian Parliament. The Senate is sometimes called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States’ House. Voters from each state also elect senators to represent them in the Senate. All states are equally represented in the Senate regardless of their size or population. There is a total of 76 senators. Each state elects 12 senators, and the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory elect two senators each.

Senators also consider, debate and vote on new laws or changes to the laws, and discuss matters of national importance.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A voter in the Northern Territory compares her territory with a state. How many senators does each of them elect?

    • The Territory and a state each elect 12 senators
    • The Territory elects 12 senators and a state elects two
    • The Territory elects two senators and a state elects 12
    • The Territory and a state each elect two senators

    Explanation: Each state elects 12 senators, but the two territories elect only two senators each.

  2. 2. How are the states represented in the Senate?

    • Representation is decided by the Governor-General each year
    • Larger states are given more senators than smaller states
    • All states are represented equally, whatever their population
    • Only the four largest states may elect senators to the Senate

    Explanation: In the Senate every state has the same number of senators, no matter how big or small it is.

  3. 3. How many senators are there in total?

    • 76 senators
    • 12 senators
    • 150 senators
    • 96 senators

    Explanation: The Senate has 76 senators altogether.

  4. 4. Which TWO of these are other names for the Senate?

    • The House of Review
    • The Lower House
    • The People's House
    • The Upper House

    Explanation: The Senate is also called the Upper House, the House of Review or the States' House.

  5. 5. Who elects the senators who sit in the Senate?

    • The Governor-General and the ministers
    • Members of the House of Representatives
    • Voters from each state and territory
    • The Premier of each Australian state

    Explanation: Senators are elected by the voters, in the same way as members of the House of Representatives.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet