In this episode we start our discussion on the Commonwealth legislature with a crash course of the basics. In law school these introductory topics are usually taken for granted by teachers who assume students will know the fundamental aspects relating to the legislature. As such, it is rare you will find an overview on the structure of the legislature, its elections, members, rules and powers - but that's why you have this podcast!

In this episode we will build an understanding of the Senate, House of Representatives and the respective roles of each chamber within the Commonwealth Parliament. We will also go over the sources of legislative power within our constitution, and the unique role of the Monarch - whose role transcends the Legislative / Executive distinction. Building from this basic overview, the episode also provides some comparative discussions of the U.K, U.S. and Canadian legislatures to place our law within the context of the broader field of constitutional theory. 

So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the topic...