Bicameralism, small states style

Abstract

In principle, one would imagine that unicameral assemblies are more streamlined and effective than bicameral ones in terms of responding to the needs of small and cohesive societies. However, around one fourth of the world’s small states have introduced bicameral legislatures or have installed decentralisation or devolution measures to serve ends that are usually entrusted to the bicameral device. Moreover, a few small states operate legislatures in which representatives and Senators are seated in the same House, thus combining features of unicameralism and bicameralism alike. Interestingly, the preference of some small states for bicameralism proper or for decentralisation and devolution as bicameral substitutes may be understood as rational responses that either promote balance and moderation in a historical context of party political domination or represent autonomy policies in and for archipelagic small countries.