Question

Discuss the arguments against Bi-cameralism.

What are the demerits of the Second Chamber of a Legislature?

List two demerits of Bi-cameralism.

Answer 1

1. Two Chambers confuse Public Opinion: Having two houses can create conflicting views and decisions, making it difficult for the public to understand government policies and reducing political clarity.
2. Second Chamber is either Mischievous or Superfluous: Critics argue that the second house either obstructs useful legislation (mischievous) or simply repeats the work of the first house without adding value (superfluous).
3. Problem of Organising the Second Chamber: It is often difficult to decide how members of the second chamber should be chosen, whether by election, nomination, or appointment, which may lead to questions about its legitimacy.
4. No Law is passed in a Hurry: Modern legislatures already have procedures and committee reviews in place to prevent hasty legislation. Hence, a second chamber is not needed just to delay or review laws.
5. Delay in Legislation: The second chamber often causes unnecessary delays in passing important laws due to repeated debates and procedural hurdles.
6. Revision of the Bill by the Second House is Unnecessary and Useless: Supporters of unicameralism believe that the lower house, being directly elected, is capable enough to review and correct bills without needing a second review.
7. Second Chamber is not really in a position to Check the Despotism of the First House: If the second chamber lacks real power or authority, it cannot effectively stop or correct misuse of power by the lower house.
8. Second Chambers are mostly Conservative and Reactionary Chambers: Historically, upper houses tend to resist progressive reforms and protect traditional elites, which can block social or democratic change.
9. Special Interests Can Be Represented in the First House: With modern electoral reforms and provisions like reservation and nomination, even minority or special interest groups can find representation in a single chamber.
10. Second Chamber is not really essential for a Federation: Opponents argue that federal representation can be ensured through other means, like balanced electoral systems, without needing a second house.
11. Increased Expenses: Maintaining two houses means more members, staff, infrastructure, and procedures, leading to higher administrative and financial costs.
12. Division of Responsibility: When two houses share law-making duties, it becomes hard to fix accountability for delays, confusion, or policy failures. Each may blame the other.