Unicameral and Bicameral Legislatures - Differences, Definition And More

The system of the Bicameral Legislature is referred to as a law-making process in which a country has two different houses. These houses are the upper house and lower house. The system of the Unicameral Legislature is referred to as a law-making process in which a country has one house. 

The difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislatures is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

In this article on the difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislatures, we shall discuss the various aspects relating to them while also discussing the major differences between them. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

Also, study the NCERT Notes on Fundamental Duties in India from the linked article.

What is a unicameral legislature?

A Unicameral legislature is a legislature in which there is only one chamber. Some of the countries with the unicameral legislature are Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Israel and New Zealand. The ability to develop a more effective legislative process is one of the major strengths of unicameral legislatures. However, systems with a single chamber are not conducive to scrutiny. There are limits on the authority of the legislature.

States with Unicameral Legislature

Among the 28 Indian States, 24 states have a unicameral legislature. The list of these states is given below:

1. Delhi
2. Goa
3. Arunachal Pradesh
4. Assam
5. Chhattisgarh
6. Gujarat
7. Haryana
8. Himachal Pradesh
9. Jharkhand
10. Kerala
11. Madhya Pradesh
12. Manipur
13. Meghalaya
14. Mizoram
15. Nagaland
16. Odisha
17. Puducherry
18. Punjab
19. Rajasthan
20. Uttarakhand
21. West Bengal
22. Sikkim
23. Tamil Nadu
24. Tripura

What is a Bicameral legislature?

Bicameral systems make up approximately one-half of legislatures around the world. Bicameralism is largely thought to allow the structures of a political system to reflect different voices and priorities. In bicameral systems, there is often a lower chamber, more closely associated with the perspective of the people. There exists an upper chamber, which might reflect different territories or classes. Some of the countries with Bicameral Legislature are Australia, Brazil, India and Germany.

• In bicameral systems, the need to pass legislation through a second chamber is a natural “veto point.” 

• The Bicameral Legislature’s legislative process is ineffective. A measure must proceed to a second chamber and go through the same process there. 

States with Bicameral Legislature 

Six states in India have a Bicameral Legislature. These include:

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Karnataka
3. Bihar
4. Uttar Pradesh
5. Telangana
6. Maharashtra.

Also check out the article on Parliamentary System in India here!

Difference Between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature

The below table shows the difference between the Unicameral Legislature and Bicameral Legislature.

Study in detail the Difference between Legislature & executive here!

Key Differences - Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature

• In a system of unicameral Legislature, the existence of only one house or assembly is there in the legislative system. Whereas, in case of a bicameral legislature, the government, Is divided into two houses under which all the powers, responsibilities and authorities are also divided among the two houses of the Legislature.
• These houses are usually referred to as the lower house of the people and the upper house.
• In the case of a unicameral system of government, all the responsibilities and power is available to only a single house of the Parliament. Whereas, in the case of a bicameral system, all these powers are shared between the two houses of the Parliament.
• The Unicameral system of Legislature is usually in practice in nations where the form of government is based on the Unitary System. Whereas, the Bicameral system of the Legislature is usually in force in nations where the form of government is based on the federal system.
• In the case of a unicameral system of government, the efficiency of the decision-making process is usually more as compared to a bicameral system of government.
• The main reason for this is that in case of a unicameral system the entire decision-making authority is bestowed on a single house of the Legislature which automatically enhances the efficiency of the law-making process by reducing the amount of time taken to legislate various provisions.
• However, the Bicameral System of Legislature is also necessary in nations like India wherein huge diversity exists in multiple aspects.
• Additionally, the chances of conflict are very less in a Unicameral System of government as compared to a Bicameral System.
• The Unicameral System of Government is followed in countries which are usually smaller in size. Whereas, the Bicameral System of Government is adopted in nations with substantial populations resulting in high levels of diversity in various aspects.

Study the Difference between Legislature and Executive here.

Conclusion

Despite having distinct advantages and disadvantages, both unicameral and bicameral legislatures are crucial for nations with similar systems. In contrast to a country with a low population, a country with a high population may require a bicameral legislature. It is necessary to have fruitful discussions in order to imagine the legislative council with greater authority and for it to fulfil its true mission rather than simply acting as a back door for defeated candidates.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the Difference Between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislatures will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.