Legislative Institutions Mahler, Chapter 3

Bicameralism vs. Unicameralism

Unicameral==> unitary Bicameral==> federal

Bicameralism reflects the split government nature of the state İn unitary states, it provides a revising chamber for legislation

Bicameral vs. Unicameral The origins of Bicameralism: in the UK

House of Lords entails inheritance House of commons entails elections

Why Bicameralism?

The US ==> The American great compromise▪ (population vs. units)

Canada ==> Quebec▪ (population vs. units)

India ==> Colonialism

Bicameral vs. unicameral In terms of power

▪ Canada ==> lower house is more powerful▪ The US ==> equal ▪ Germany ==> upper house is more powerful

▪ What is the difference between the congress and the senate in the US?

Political Parties

Preference formation and representation

Political parties are the foundation of the legislative actions

Party discipline in the US and Europe ▪ What is party discipline?▪ Why is it important?

Methods of electing legislators

SMDP (Single Member District Plurality )▪ The US

PR (Proportional Representation) ▪ Israel

Legislative Functions

1- Criticism and control of the other branches of the government

2- Debate

3- Lawmaking or legislation

4- Communication with the public, representation, and legitimation

5- Recruitment, education, and socialization

6- Electing the executives

Frontbenchers and Backbenchers

Legislative Committees

Specialized in issue areas, such as defense, agriculture, and finance

Efficiency through division of labor