The Senate
The Senate of Voices of Democracy serves as the upper chamber of the nation's Parliament, generally regarded as a deliberative chamber.
The Senate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | |
| Type | Upper House |
| Leadership | |
Senate Majority Leader | zepz367 |
| Structure | |
Length of term | up to 28 days |
Seats | 5 |
Current Senators | zepz367 (Liberals) Anti-Syndicality (SIMDEM) Opersup (DSP) Somelostguy (SDP) Dino (HD) |
| Elections | |
| Single Transferable Vote | |
Last election | 5th April 2025 |
Next election | On or before 11th May 2025 |
Legislative Review and Bill Origination
A primary function of the Senate is to review the laws passed by the lower chamber, the House of Representatives. The Senate, however, also has the authority to initiate bills that can subsequently be presented to and passed by the House.
Senate Legislative Review Process
As the chamber primarily responsible for reviewing legislation, the Senate utilises committees far more than the House of Representatives. The chairman of a Senate committee may issue a subpoena to one or more individuals to appear before the committee and discuss legislation. After the conclusion of such meetings, Senators will bring to the floor recommended revisions for a bill based off of the knowledge obtained from the committee hearings. The committee review process is vital for the Senate as it enhances legislation and helps Parliament make more informed decisions.
Key Committees
General Affairs and Oversight
The General Affairs and Oversight Committee, chaired by the Majority Leader, can investigate any m
atter it pleases. All Senators are members of this committee. It is common for General Affairs to scrutinise important legislation, conduct government oversight, and hold trials for impeachments in this committee should the Senate serve as the Investigative House in such circumstances.
Judiciary
The Judiciary Committee is a subcommittee whose primary responsibility is to examine nominees to the Supreme and Inferior Courts. It can also used to question the judiciary on the strength and constitutionality of potential additions to the Civil Code, Criminal Code, or any other legislation Parliament may wish to pass.
Independent Agency Nominations
This subcommittee examines nominees to executive agencies, the Electoral Commission, and the vice presidency.
Presidential Oversight and Senate Dissolution
In matters of legislation, only the President holds the power to override the Senate's review process or dissolve the chamber entirely. Additionally, the President is responsible for initiating Senate elections.
Prime Ministerial Nominations
The Senate, while in session, holds the exclusive power to "confirm or deny any judicial nominee presented by the Prime Minister" (Constitution, The Senate, Section 5). Additionally, the power to confirm or deny nominees to executive agencies, the Electoral Commission, and the vice presidency lies with the upper chamber. If the Senate is dissolved, confirmation power transfers to the House of Representatives.
Senate Elections
Elections for the Senate are typically held during the midpoint of each House term, and vice-versa. However, it is important to note that the President has both the constitutional and legal authority to make the Senate an unelected chamber at any time, per Article 1, Part 3, Section 2.1.1 of the Constitution and the Alternative Senate Apportionment Act.