Bicameralism
Bicameralism is a governmental structure characterized by the division of the legislature into two distinct chambers or houses. This system can vary widely, with each chamber possibly holding equal powers or one house wielding more authority than the other. Typically, one chamber represents smaller, more localized areas, focusing on the specific needs of those populations, while the other encompasses larger constituencies, often resulting in a smaller number of representatives. Membership in these houses can be based on various methods, including election or appointment.
Historically, bicameral systems are believed to have originated in medieval Europe, gaining significant structure in the seventeenth century with the intention of balancing representation among different social classes. Notable examples of bicameral governments today include the United States Congress and the United Kingdom Parliament, each with their unique composition and electoral processes. While proponents argue that bicameralism promotes stability and thorough legislative debate, critics point out potential drawbacks such as legislative gridlock, complexity, and increased governmental costs. Overall, bicameralism aims to enhance representation, though its effectiveness can vary based on the specific political context.
On this Page
Bicameralism
Bicameralism refers to a method of government in which there are two divisions, often called chambers, assemblies, or houses. The two divisions in a bicameral system may have equal powers, or one may exert more authority than the other. Likewise, both divisions may be made up of the same number of officials, or the number of officials may be determined by the number of citizens living in the district being represented. In turn, both houses may sometimes overlap and represent the same populace. The members of bicameral houses may be elected, appointed, or both. Most bicameral systems are divided so that one house represents a smaller, more localized area while the other house represents a larger slice of a nation’s geography. The house representing the smaller population is more focused on the needs and interests of the individuals living in a concentrated area. Often, this house has more members. Because the other house represents a larger constituency, it is typically made up of fewer members.
Brief History
Though difficult to pinpoint, it is believed that the first bicameral systems originated during the medieval period, and this government system is mostly commonly attributed to seventeenth-century England. These early European bicameral governments were typically arranged so that one house represented the wealthy aristocracy, and the other house represented the common folk. Modern bicameral systems began to emerge in Europe in the 1600s, and the focus shifted from separation of social classes to concerns about ensuring equal representation.
The American British colonies operated under a bicameral system in the 1700s. One chamber represented the interests of Great Britain, and the other represented the interests of the colonists. After the Revolutionary War, the United States eventually formed the bicameral system that is in place now. The writers and signers of the US Constitution were concerned about equal representation, and they were also determined to establish a governing system that guaranteed a balance of power.
Throughout decades, the worldwide preference for bicameral government systems has ebbed and flowed. After both World War I and World War II, an interest in unicameral structures arose. Unicameral governments have a single chamber, as opposed to the two that make up a bicameral system. Where bicameral systems ensure balance of power, unicameral systems provide a more responsive, streamlined, and less expensive form of government.
Among bicameral nations with populations greater than 100 million in the twenty-first century are countries such as the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Japan, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Other well-known yet smaller bicameral nations include the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, and Australia.
Overview
The US bicameral system, more often called the Congress, consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Similarly, the Parliament of the United Kingdom is made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the United States, the House of Representatives is the larger chamber, made up of a varying number of representatives from each state, with the number dependent on the population of the state. Local elections are held for the House of Representatives every two years. In contrast, the Senate is made up of two representatives from each state elected every six years, but at staggered times, with one-third of the Senate elected every two years. Proponents of bicameralism suggest that this structure helps ensure that diverse populations are represented more fairly.
The two chambers of parliament in the United Kingdom are filled in a slightly different manner. The House of Commons is an elected body that normally remains in office for five-year terms. The House of Lords is an appointed body, which is further divided into the Lords Spiritual and the Lords Temporal. Whereas the US Congress is aligned to work with the president, the parliament of the United Kingdom is aligned to work alongside the monarchy and the prime minister.
While it is clear that the houses of a bicameral government may be structured and filled in a variety of ways, the benefits of the system remain the same: stability, equality in representation, and more thorough debate in passing laws. Stability is achieved by the division of power, which prevents the tendency for tyrannical outcomes. Equality in representation is made possible through the dual structure, but this also results in a slower system—it takes more time to run legislation through two houses for approval. However, the fact that approval is required by more than one chamber means proposed legislation is often put through more rigorous evaluation, thus reducing the risk of passing ill-conceived laws. Additionally, it is more difficult for lobbyists or other special interests to influence or manipulate two houses than one.
The most common complaint about bicameral systems is the tendency for gridlock to occur because both houses cannot or will not agree on legislation being considered. Another possible drawback is the complexity of such a system. Opponents of bicameralism argue that multiple elections, differing powers, overlapping boundaries, and other nuances lead to a lack of understanding among the citizens about how their governments work, causing the population to be less engaged in its processes. Although the concept of bicameralism seems to suggest that representation is far superior under this system, it is important to note that the reverse may sometimes be true. Citizens in countries with bicameral governments who elect the members of both houses may have difficulties finding candidates for both houses with whom they agree. Such persons could then be well-represented in one house but under-represented in the other.
Another important disadvantage of bicameralism is the expense required to maintain such a system. Each house requires meeting chambers, offices for representatives, support staff, and the costs of modern-day campaigns for elections or re-elections.
Bibliography
Baldwin, Nicholas. Legislatures of Small States: A Comparative Study. Routledge, 2013.
“Bicameral System.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition, Mar. 2021, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lkh&AN=134504808&site=ehost-live. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.
Coakley, John. "The Strange Revival of Bicameralism." The Journal of Legislative Studies, vol. 20, no. 4, 2014, pp. 542-572.
Cole, Nicholas P. "American Bicameralism and the Legacy of the Roman Senate." Classical Receptions Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, 2015, pp. 79-96.
Heller, William B., and Diana M. Branduse. "The Politics of Bicameralism." The Oxford Handbook of Legislative Studies, 2014, pp. 332-351.
Kelso, Alexandra. "The Contemporary House of Lords: Westminster Bicameralism Revived." The Journal of Legislative Studies, vol. 21, no. 2, 2015, pp. 289-290.
Kenton, Will. “Bicameral System: What It Is, How It Works, History in U.S.” Investopedia, 19 Jan. 2024, www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bicameral-system.asp. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.
Kurland, Philip B., and Ralph Lerner. The Founders' Constitution. University of Chicago Press, 1987.