What is the ‘nexus’ between the Senate and the House of Representatives?
Section 24 of the Constitution says that the number of members of the House of Representatives 'shall be, as nearly as practicable, twice the number of the senators'. This mathematical relationship between the size of membership of both houses is often referred to as the 'nexus'.
This part of the Constitution is trying to achieve 2 things. Firstly, it seeks a balance between the Senate and House in representing Australians; that is, the proportions will always be about the same. Similarly, it also places limits on the House of Representatives dominating the Senate if a joint sitting of Parliament is held following a double dissolution election.
The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair
DPS Auspic
The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair
DPS Auspic
Description
The Senate is a large room with red furnishings. Seats and desks for senators are arranged in a horse-shoe shape around a large central table.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.