Federal Council (Austria) facts for kids

The Federal Council (which in German is called Bundesrat) is like the "upper house" of the Austrian Parliament. It represents the nine different States of Austria at the national level. Think of it as a way for each state to have a voice in making laws for the whole country.

It is part of a two-house system, which is called a bicameral legislature. The other house is the National Council. You can compare the Federal Council to an "upper house" or a "senate" in other countries. It is important, but it has less power than the National Council.

The Bundesrat meets in the Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. While the main Parliament Building is being fixed, the Federal Council meets in another important building called the Hofburg.

What is the Federal Council?

The Federal Council is a key part of Austria's government. It makes sure that the voices of all nine Austrian states are heard when new laws are being made. Each state sends representatives to the Federal Council. These representatives are chosen by the state parliaments.

How Does it Work?

Austria has a special system with two main groups that make laws. This is called a bicameral legislature. The Federal Council is one of these groups. The other, more powerful group, is the National Council. The Federal Council checks new laws and can suggest changes. However, the National Council usually has the final say on most laws.

Where Does the Federal Council Meet?

The Federal Council usually meets in the beautiful Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna. This building is very old and important. Sometimes, when the Parliament Building is being repaired or updated, the Federal Council holds its meetings in another historic place called the Hofburg. The Hofburg used to be the main palace for emperors.

Images for kids

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  During the renovation of the Parliament Building the Federal Council meets in the Hofburg, here the new head of government Sebastian Kurz is speaking.

See also

In Spanish: Consejo Federal (Austria) para niños