The Australian Senate is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia, the other being the House of Representatives. It consists of 76 members, known as Senators, who represent the states and territories of Australia. Each state has an equal number of Senators, regardless of its population, while the territories have a smaller representation. Senators serve six-year terms, with half of the Senate up for election every three years. The primary role of the Senate is to review and amend legislation proposed by the House of Representatives. It acts as a check on government power, ensuring that laws are thoroughly examined before becoming official. The Senate also has the authority to investigate issues and hold inquiries, contributing to the democratic process in Australia.