Australian Citizenship Quiz
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Government and the law in Australia

Australian Parliament

Short answer

The Australian Parliament has two Houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House represents electorates, while the Senate is the House of Review and represents states equally.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19

Two Houses

Australia's Parliament has the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both Houses take part in the national law-making process, but they represent different parts of the democratic system.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is also called the Lower House or People's House. Members represent local electorates, and the party or coalition with sufficient House support generally forms government.

The Senate

The Senate is also called the Upper House, House of Review or States' House. Each state has equal representation in the Senate, which gives states a defined role at the national level.

Key facts

  • Parliament has the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • The House is the Lower House or People's House.
  • The Senate is the Upper House or House of Review.
  • States have equal representation in the Senate.

Common mistakes

  • Calling the Senate the lower house.
  • Assuming the two Houses represent people in exactly the same way.
  • Confusing Parliament with the Australian Government alone.

Important vocabulary

Parliament
Australia's national law-making institution.
Example: Parliament has two Houses.
electorate
An area represented by a member of the House of Representatives.
Example: A voter lives in an electorate.
Senate
The upper House of the Australian Parliament.
Example: The Senate represents states equally.

Practice questions

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Practice by topic
Question 2
What are the two Houses of the Australian Parliament?
Question 4
Which House is sometimes called the Upper House, House of Review or States’ House?
Australian Democracy Australia is a parliamentary democracy: people elect representatives, government power comes from the people, and laws and governments change through lawful and peaceful processes. The Australian Constitution The Australian Constitution is Australia's founding legal document. It sets out the basic rules for governing the country, including Parliament, government powers and how constitutional change must be approved. The Role of the Governor-General The Governor-General represents the King in Australia and carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties, including giving Royal Assent to Bills. The Prime Minister leads the Australian Government.

Official sources