A common controversy about the structure of legislature is whether it should be unicameral or bicameral. A bicameral system is one in which the legislature consists of two chambers or houses.
In a unicameral system, the legislature consists of a single chamber. In India, England, the U.S.A. and in most of the countries of the world, bicameralism has been adopted.
It was generally held that single chambers “were charcterised by instability, violence and passion and that their actions were unbalanced and impulsive.” It is consequently thought necessary to have bicameral system.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
ADVERTISEMENTS:
For Unicameralism:
A Single House:
1. Permits quick action.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2. Avoids obstruction of the will of the people.
3. Permits clear responsibility of the cabinet in a parliamentary system of government.
4. Reduces duplication and confusion of responsibility relating to law-making
5. Avoids dead-lock or conflict in legislation.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
6. is less expensive.
For Bicameralism:
Two Houses:
1. Provide a check on hasty and ill-considered legislation.
2. Avoid dictatorial functions of a single chamber.
3. Help public opinion form by interposing delay
4. Reflect the popular will at all times and also allows representation to different classes.
5. Make useful revision of legislation.
6. Help to divide the work- load.