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The advantages of a Unicameral Legislature



THE ADVANTAGES OF A UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE
Definition of unicameral legislature
A unicameral legislature refers to the type of legislature in which there is only one house or chamber. In other words, all the legislators can be found in one house.

ADVANTAGES
It is democratic
One advantage of a unicameral legislature is that it is democratic. Democratic tenets postulate that people who make laws for the masses must be elected in a free and fair election. Members of a unicameral chamber are directly elected by the people. Therefore, it is democratic.
Less expensive
One of the advantages of a unicameral legislature is that it is not expensive to operate. Salaries and emoluments of members are paid to members of only one chamber. This is buttressed by the fact that there is no second chamber so no further expenses are made.

Speeds up passage of laws
In a unicameral legislature, bills are considered by the only chamber that exists so a lot of time is saved. There is no need for the consideration of a second chamber and therefore further delays are avoided.

Ensures absence of conflicts
In a bicameral legislature, some form of rivalry is present and unavoidable as the two chambers struggle for superiority. This kind of conflict is absent in a unicameral legislation.

Location of responsibility
The citizens are able to determine exactly who is responsible for legislation. This is because there is no second chamber that may share the responsibility of making laws with the first chamber

Applicable in times of emergency
In times of crisis, matters can be dealt with more expeditiously than when there is second chamber. For example, when there a war situation, the only chamber available can move into action where legislation is needed to handle the situation.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What is a unicameral legislature? [2 marks]
    b. Highlight five advantages of a unicameral legislature. [10 marks]

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