Most of the states of India have opted for unicameral legislature. State four advantages and four disadvantages of having just one house of legislature.
The Advantages:
i. Simplifies bill passage by avoiding legislative gridlock. Proposed legislation can be enacted more rapidly and efficiently, since bills do not have to be reconciled by two parliamentary houses.
ii. Singleness of purpose. It is easier to achieve cooperation between executive and legislative branches.
iii. A one-house legislature is less expensive, since the state only has to pay for one set of legislators, legislative staffs, offices, etc. It is easier and cheaper to maintain a legislature with only one house and thus fewer representatives.
iv. Since only one body is responsible for legislation, there is greater transparency and accountability. Legislators are more accountable to the public and their constituency because their position is a matter of public record. Unicameral system makes it easier for voters to understand and participate in their political system because it is simpler.
The Disadvantages:
i. A smaller legislature means a weaker power check on the executive. In the name of progressive outlook, the unicameral legislature may thoughtlessly pursue certain measures. Once such a measure is taken, it is the people who suffer.
ii. Unicameral legislature does not provide any opportunity for revision of bills. The single house may pass ill-considered bills.
iii. A unicameral legislature does not effectively accommodate the vast and diverse constituencies in a large nation.
iv. If there is only one house, then the house in course of time may become arrogant. It may push through any law of its choice. It may act arbitrarily and become autocratic.
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