What Are The Disadvantages Of A Bicameral System?

Bicameral systems refer to a form of legislature that allows two separate bodies with various powers and ideas to represent the same set of people. This is the opposite of a unicameral system.

• Disadvantages: Too complicated

As I mentioned above, the bicameral system allows two separate groups to represent the same people despite a difference in views and powers. This can be seen as a disadvantage because it means that there are a two differing sets of rules and procedures in terms of elections which causes more work and a conflict of representation. The idea of having a bicameral system is to be able to represent the people in the constituency more fairly because it can represent all the views of the people rather than the majority. However, one group may be much bigger than the other which can affect level of influence. This is a problem because one person could make the difference between one sides of the representation being larger than the other. The downside of this indicates that the voice of the people in that area is not being correctly represented.

• Problems with fair representation

As stated above, some may argue that having a bicameral system is a better representation of the people in the constituency; however you could suggest that it is actually the opposite. For example, you may find that you agree and support a member of the House on an education policy. However, in order for the policy to be put into practice if the House member is to be elected, you would have to find a Senate candidate that expresses the same views on education. If this cannot be done, then the House member will not be able to impose their views on this particular sector due to the lack of Senate support.