Australia and the US both apportion seats on the basis of population, but use different approaches to drawing boundaries. It could become a political issue.
Category: Constitutional law
Responsible government in Strasbourg and Madrid
The European Union may, or may not, get a new government tonight. Meanwhile, Spain's government is having parliamentary problems of its own.
Who counts for representation? – part I
Donald Trump's attempt to politicise the census has failed for now, but it raises interesting issues about how representation is supposed to work.
How to appoint a prime minister
Malcolm Turnbull may have had a hypothetical constitutional manoeuvre to block Peter Dutton, but would the same trick work against Boris Johnson?
Brexit, or how not to do democracy
Theresa May's government is teetering, with little prospect of getting its Brexit plan through parliament. Is there a better way this could have all been handled?
Can the governor-general veto legislation?
Section 58 of the Australian constitution gives the governor-general power to veto legislation. What would happen if an occasion for using that power ever arose?
Does the Senate need reform?
The two presiding officers of the Australian parliament have interesting things to say about how it works. But we should be very wary of plans that cut back on democracy.
History, the constitution and “Super Saturday”
The saga of section 44 is an interesting lesson on the intersection of law, history and politics. Where do we go now?
Does monarchy help?
Monarchy is topical this week. Some suggest that it can be a positive force to guard against despotism, but I remain sceptical.
A conservative crosses the floor
In the fascinating politics of America's Supreme Court, Donald Trump's appointee shows he has an unpredictable streak.