This is really for Australians, but you Americans (or anyone else with a bicameral legislature) can answer (about your own senate) if you want.
I believe that it is a waste of money having a Senate (especially in Australia).
2007-03-28 02:05:33 · 9 answers · asked by robbob 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
In Australia the Senate is a virtue because it is more representative of the electorate due to proportional representation. Because of this legislation seldom gets through unless it has some minority sectional approval, as compared to the House of Reps where you only need support from the major party to pass a bill.
That being said, if the House of Representatives was elected by proportional representation then you wouldn't need a Senate. You could put all the money you save into increasing the numbers of the remaining lower house. More reps means less citizens per rep which obviously means better representation.
2007-03-28 03:06:15 · answer #1 · answered by Edward Carson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm American, but NO, I think the Senate is a vital part of the democratic process -- in the sense that it contributes to the system of checks and balances. At least in the US, the House cannot do things without the Senate's approval, and vice versa. While the money spent on it is an enormous amount, I am sure, the reality that a group of 435 men cannot do anything without the approval of another 50, and one executive, is comforting to me, at times...especially when the majority doesn't lean my way!
2007-03-28 02:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by Coach P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The question I think you have to ask is whether democracy would be able to continue as well without one as it does with one. There may be things the senate does or has done that makes a significant impact upon politics, but which you don't really see or don't see the effect of directly. Any place which helps the fulfillment of democracy, rather than hinders it, is a good thing.
2007-03-28 02:09:15 · answer #3 · answered by Notherenow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The USA is where it is as a nation because of its type of
government....Australians will have that issue to decide
for themselves...far as I'm concerned Australia is doing
quite well with its government....money is spent no matter
what type of government is in place...some call it waste,
otherscall it necessary...in the end 'We the People...' pay
the tab....that goes for any government anywhere...
How would doing away with senators save money? I just
see it would be ingulfed by the represenatives claiming
they earn it by taking over where senators left off.
(Once your money is taxed out of your hand, somebody
will use it....and not exactly as you would......but it's a
safe bet you won't get it back)!
2007-03-28 03:01:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would advise against it. In the USA, the senate is there to keep the House in line and vice versa. It is a part of the checks and balances set up in our constitution and is designed to maintain stability in our government (and probably the same applies to you in Oz).
2007-03-28 02:10:06 · answer #5 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
If we did get rid of the senate then the House of Representatives would pass the laws and no one to proofread what they do. Without the senate then the president could veto the bill and no one can veto his veto. We need the senate and without it our country (and yours) would be in shambles.
2007-03-28 02:19:55 · answer #6 · answered by Spyker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The US would do well to get rid of the Democrats and Liberals, then the Senate would be able to get something constructive done.
2007-03-28 02:15:27 · answer #7 · answered by Sane 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Waste of money at the Highest Level
2007-03-28 02:09:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As an American I can say we need our system of checks and balances. No matter if they are bad or good.
2007-03-28 03:56:26 · answer #9 · answered by grandma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋