There has been much discussion about the role of the Senate in the Australian political system. Some believe it is an obstacle to the federal government while others speak of it as a keeper of Checks and Balances. With the Senate move away from the role intended by the founders of the Federation as a representation of the states and with its clear domination by party politics, the debate has intensified. This essay will examine the degree to which the Senate enhances or undermines the Australian system of Federal Democracy.
First, I will discuss the relationship between the Senate and the principle of responsible government. Then I will take a closer look on the part that minor parties play in the decision-making in the second chamber and how their performance is linked to the idea of minor party representation in a federal democracy. Finally, I will examine at some prospects of reform for the Senate.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Senate and Responsible Government
- The Senate and Minor Parties
- Prospects for Reform
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay analyzes the impact of the Senate on Australian liberal democracy, examining whether it enhances or undermines the system. It explores the Senate's relationship with responsible government, the influence of minor parties, and potential reforms.
- The Senate's role in relation to the principle of responsible government
- The influence of minor parties on Senate decision-making
- The concept of proportional representation and its impact on minor parties
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of Senate reform
- The balance between democratic values and liberal principles in the Australian political system
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The essay introduces the debate surrounding the Senate's role in Australian politics, highlighting the opposing views on its impact on the federal government and its function as a check on power. It outlines the essay's structure, focusing on the relationship with responsible government, the role of minor parties, and prospects for reform.
- The Senate and Responsible Government: This chapter examines the relationship between the Senate and the principle of responsible government, highlighting the contrasting views on its impact. It discusses the Westminster system, the influence of the American Senate, and the potential for the Senate to undermine or enhance responsible government.
- The Senate and Minor Parties: This chapter explores the role of minor parties in Senate decision-making, highlighting their influence in situations where neither major party holds a majority. It examines the arguments for and against the influence of minor parties in a democracy, discussing their role as defenders of checks and balances and their impact on policy output.
- Prospects for Reform: This chapter discusses various proposals for Senate reform, including those advocating for a Westminster-style approach and potential changes to the electoral system. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of these proposals, as well as the impact on minor party representation and the overall concept of proportional representation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this text are: Australian liberal democracy, Senate, responsible government, minor parties, proportional representation, electoral system, checks and balances, democratic values, liberal principles, Senate reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Senate enhance or undermine Australian liberal democracy?
The essay explores this debate, looking at the Senate's role as either a vital check on government power (enhancing) or a potential obstacle to the principle of responsible government (undermining).
What is the role of minor parties in the Australian Senate?
Minor parties often hold the balance of power, allowing them to influence legislation and act as a check on the major parties in the second chamber.
How does proportional representation affect the Senate?
Proportional representation allows for a more diverse range of voices and minor parties to be represented, which contrasts with the majoritarian system of the House of Representatives.
What are the main arguments for Senate reform?
Reform proposals often focus on moving towards a Westminster-style approach or changing the electoral system to reduce the influence of minor parties and increase government efficiency.
What is the principle of "responsible government" in Australia?
It is the principle that the executive branch is accountable to the legislature; the Senate's power to block government legislation can sometimes conflict with this principle.
How do "checks and balances" function in the Australian system?
The Senate acts as a house of review, ensuring that the government does not have absolute power and that legislation is thoroughly scrutinized before becoming law.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Magister Artium Steffen Blatt (Autor:in), 2000, Does the senate enhance oder undermine australian liberal democracy?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10040
