The comparative powers of the HOC & the HOL

Question 1

What power does the HOC have?

Answer 1

• has the sole right to defeat a bill
  -possesses exclusive right to dismiss the gov if it loses a vote of confidence

Question 2

What power does the HOL have?

Answer 2

-members don’t have same constituency duties as MPs –> can devote more of their time to scrutiny
-not elected or bound by party’s manifesto –> more able to act independently
-large number of cross benchers makes it more difficult for gov to dominate the HOL