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Bicameralism

In: Handbook of Comparative Political Institutions

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  • Sean Mueller

Abstract

This chapter discusses the nature, form and impact of bicameral political systems. It first provides an overview of the spread of bicameralism and the five main dimensions along which variation occurs empirically: composition, powers, congruence, legitimacy and professionalism. It then discusses different studies that have looked at the impact of bicameralism, both as regards strictly political consequences and those concerned with wider socio-economic aspects. The chapter then confronts one of the main misunderstandings in the literature: that second chambers are an indispensable feature of federal states. The main reason for this error of thinking is to conflate regional representation with vertical co-decision, or shared rule. The final section summarizes and highlights three main areas for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean Mueller, 2024. "Bicameralism," Chapters, in: Adrian Vatter & Rahel Freiburghaus (ed.), Handbook of Comparative Political Institutions, chapter 17, pages 263-275, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:21846_17
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781803929095.00025
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    Keywords

    Politics and Public Policy;

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