The relationship between bicameralism and federalism as exemplified by the second chambers of the Australian and Canadian parliaments

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to indicate the relationship between bicameralism and federalism by analysing the second chambers of parliaments in Australia and Canada. These are countries with similar systemic traditions but with different institutional arrangements. In theoretical terms, bicameralism in federal systems aims to ensure that the constituent units of the federation are represented at the central level. In practice, however, the way in which this principle is implemented depends on a number of factors, such as the way in which members of the chamber are appointed, their political legitimacy, the extent of their legislative powers, and their relationship with the lower chamber.

This article examines the constitutional position of the Senate of Australia and the Senate of Canada, and how they function in political practice. To this end, the dogmatic-legal method, the comparative method, was applied. The results of the analysis indicate that, although both senates are formally intended to perform the function of federal representation, only the Senate of Australia substantially fulfils this purpose. In Canada, on the other hand, the role of the second chamber of parliament is more symbolic and is being progressively weakened.