Distinction Between Unicameral And Bicameral

DISTINCTION BETWEEN UNICAMERAL AND BICAMERAL

Legislature is the first branch of the government. It is the law making body of the government. It expresses the will of the people. Unless laws are made, the question of enforcing them or interpreting them does not arise.

There are two kinds of legislature:-

Legislature

1.  Unicameral

2.  Bicameral

Unicameral:- Where the legislature has only one house, it is called unicameral.

Example: China (National Peoples Conference)

India: Legislative Assembly (Tamil Nadu)

Bicameral:- In Latin camera means house or chamber. Where the legislature has two houses, it is called bicameral.

The following countries have bicameral legislature

INDIA        Lower House        -        Lok Sabha

          Upper House        -        Rajya Sabha

U.S.A         Lower House        -        House of

                             Representatives

          Upper House        -        Senate

U.K   Lower House        -        House of Commons

          Upper  House       -        House of Lords.

Bicameral system of legislature is prevalent in a majority of the countries of the world. At the same time, unicameralism is also in existence in certain countries. Political scientists expressed different opinions in support of and against the two systems of legislature. For example, writer like Bryce, Garner, and Lord Acton argued in favour of Bicameralism. On the other hand, political writers like Laski, Benjamin Franklin, and Bentham supported unicameralism.

Sir. J.A.R Marriott says that the 'past history is in favour of the bicameral system. Experience has seen in favour of two chambers and it is not wise to disregard the lessons of history'.