Why do we need two house of parliament?
The notion of having two houses in parliament admires its need. Appreciating more i’ll say it’s the beauty of any democracy to have two house concept. Name could be different but the abstract idea is same.
Talking in Indian framework,
Two houses are Lok Sabha and RajyaSabha, alternatively Lower house and Upper house respectively whereas in UK it is House of Commons and House of Lords.
What was the Idea behind?
Party enjoying majority in one house may not be in majority in the other house like the present scenario is.
It avoids monopoly by any single party whether it has the presence in whole country.
It ensures state’s direct participation in apex law making and executing body.
It provides a powerful and formal stage for dissent.
To keep a check between Federalism and Union structure in country like India.
To avoid any instance of political vacuum, dissolution of one house is restricted, in India it is Rajya Sabha.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Humanities/Arts courses
Why do we need two house of parliament?
In simple to understand is because of the diversity of the nation and India is itself a diverse nation
Why do we need two house of parliament?
Introduction:
The existence of two houses of parliament plays a crucial role in the democratic governance of a country. It provides a system of checks and balances, ensures representation of diverse interests, promotes legislative scrutiny, and encourages deliberative decision-making processes.
Representation of diverse interests:
One of the primary reasons for having two houses of parliament is to provide a platform for the representation of diverse interests within a country. The lower house, often referred to as the House of Representatives or the House of Commons, is typically elected directly by the people. This house represents the citizens' interests and serves as a platform for their voices to be heard. On the other hand, the upper house, known as the Senate or House of Lords, consists of appointed or indirectly elected members who represent regional or specialized interests. This ensures that different regions, social groups, and perspectives are taken into account while making legislation.
Checks and balances:
Having two houses of parliament establishes a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. Both houses have the power to propose, amend, and review legislation. This allows for a thorough examination of proposed laws, ensuring that they are well-thought-out and reflective of the needs and aspirations of the people. The upper house acts as a revising chamber, reviewing and scrutinizing bills passed by the lower house, thus preventing any hasty or ill-considered decisions. This system ensures that legislation undergoes rigorous debate and analysis before it becomes law, reducing the likelihood of arbitrary or biased decisions.
Deliberative decision-making:
The presence of two houses fosters deliberative decision-making processes. The debates and discussions that take place in both houses allow for a more comprehensive examination of various perspectives, ensuring that legislation reflects a wide range of opinions. The different composition of the two houses brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and experiences, enriching the legislative process. The need to convince both houses of the merit of a proposed law encourages thorough research, evidence-based arguments, and compromises, leading to more informed and robust legislation.
Stability and continuity:
Two houses of parliament provide stability and continuity in the legislative process. If the lower house experiences frequent changes in its composition due to regular elections, the upper house can act as a repository of institutional memory and expertise. This ensures that the legislative process remains consistent and unaffected by short-term political changes. Additionally, the upper house often has staggered terms for its members, which prevents sudden shifts in power and provides a degree of continuity even during times of political transitions.
Conclusion:
The presence of two houses of parliament is essential for effective governance in a democratic system. It ensures the representation of diverse interests, creates a system of checks and balances, promotes deliberative decision-making, and provides stability and continuity. Through these mechanisms, the two houses work together to make laws that are comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of the people.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Humanities/Arts study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Humanities/Arts.