PNL UNIT 2: Democracy and Representation

State each for House of representatives

• Role

• Members

• Term

• Voting

• Electorates

• Initiates bills and forms government

• 150 (one per electorate)

• Members are in house of reps for 3 years before replacement

• Preferential voting is used

• One member per electorate (single-member)

State each of the following in the Senate:

• Role

• Members

• Term

• Voting system

• Electorates

• Reviews legislation and represents states

• 76 (12 per state, 2 per territory)

• Every 3 years half of the members are replaced (so term is 6 years)

• Proportional voting — the members of Senate directly reflect votes

• Multi-member electorates as the members

How is an election called?

• The Prime minister advises the Governor general to call an election (done through the FEC)

• GG dissolves government and election triggers

Why might electorates be redistributed?

To reflect population shifts and ensure representation.