CivicHow law works
From an idea to the law of the land.
Six short guides, in order. Start at the top if you are new to this, or jump to the one you need.
- 109
- senators
- 360
- members of the House of Representatives
- 36 + 1
- states, plus the Federal Capital Territory
- 4
- years between general elections
- 1 Policy, bill, Act What the words mean, which of them bind you, and the three arms of government.
- 2 The Senate and the House What the two chambers are, who sits in them, how they are elected, and who represents you.
- 3 Who makes which laws Federal, state and local: how the Constitution shares out law-making.
- 4 How a bill becomes an Act Every stage from first reading to the Gazette, with real dates, and where you can take part.
- 5 How to read an Act The parts every Act has, and three habits that make them easier to follow.
- 6 Words you will meet Plain meanings for the terms that come up again and again.