2.6 Legislative Systems

Welcome to Legislative Systems!

In this chapter, we are exploring the "law-making" branch of government. Think of the legislature as the heart of a country's political debate. It is where representatives gather to propose, discuss, and vote on the rules that everyone in the country has to follow. While every country in our course has a legislature, they don't all work the same way—some have one "house," some have two, and some have much more power than others!

The Big Idea: Unicameral vs. Bicameral

Before we look at our six countries, we need to understand the two main "shapes" a legislature can take:

• Unicameral: A legislature with only one house or chamber. This is often faster for passing laws because there is no second group to argue with.
  Analogy: A one-room schoolhouse where everyone decides together.
• Bicameral: A legislature with two houses or chambers. Usually, there is a "lower house" (representing the people) and an "upper house" (representing regions or elite interests).
  Analogy: A school with a Student Council and a Teacher Committee that both have to agree before a new rule is made.

Quick Review: Why choose two houses? Often, it is to provide checks and balances or to make sure different parts of a country (like states or provinces) have a specific voice in government.

Legislatures in the Six Course Countries

1. The United Kingdom (UK)

The UK has a bicameral system, but the power is not shared equally between the two houses.

• House of Commons: The lower house and the "real" power center. This is where the Prime Minister and the cabinet sit. Members are elected by the people.
• House of Lords: The upper house. It is mostly ceremonial and can delay legislation but cannot permanently block it. It is not elected by the people.

Key Takeaway: Because the UK is a unitary system, the central legislature in London holds most of the power, though some power has been "devolved" (handed down) to regional parliaments in Scotland and Wales to maintain stability.

2. China

China has a unicameral system that is very different from Western democracies.

• National People's Congress (NPC): This is the official legislature. However, in reality, it is a party-controlled system.
• The Standing Committee: Because the NPC is huge and only meets briefly, this smaller group (the Standing Committee) does most of the actual legislative work.

Key Takeaway: The Communist Party of China (CPC) maintains control over the legislature. Instead of "Rule of Law" (where the law is above everyone), China often practices "Rule by Law," where the party uses the law as a tool to govern.

3. Iran

Iran has a unicameral legislature within a theocratic (religious-based) framework.

• The Majles: This is the name of the Iranian parliament. Its members are directly elected by the people.

Watch Out! While the Majles makes laws, it is not fully independent. Other bodies like the Guardian Council vet candidates to make sure they are "loyal" to the religious system before they can even run for office.

4. Mexico

Mexico has a bicameral system called the Congress of the Union.

• Because Mexico is a federal system (meaning it is divided into states), having two houses helps balance the power between the general population and the individual states.
• Mexico has moved away from a system where one party (the PRI) dominated everything to a true multiparty system where different parties compete for seats in the legislature.

5. Nigeria

Nigeria also has a bicameral system called the National Assembly.

• Senate: This house provides equal representation for Nigeria's states.
• House of Representatives: This house is based on population.

Key Takeaway: To ensure stability in a very diverse country, Nigeria uses ethnic quotas and specific regional distribution requirements for its political structures to make sure no single group dominates the legislature.

6. Russia

Russia has a bicameral legislature, though the executive (the President) holds most of the power.

• State Duma: The lower house. It passes legislation and confirms the Prime Minister. Half of its members are currently directly elected.
• Federation Council: The upper house. It represents the regional governments. The way members are selected for this council has changed over time to give the central government more influence.

Key Takeaway: Russia is considered a dominant-party system. While there are elections, one party (United Russia) typically controls the legislature, making it easier for the President to pass laws without much opposition.

Comparison Summary Table

Use this table to quickly memorize which country uses which system:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't get confused!

• Mistake: Thinking "Bicameral" always means "Strong."
  Reality: The UK has two houses, but the House of Lords is very weak. Russia has two houses, but the President often bypasses them.
• Mistake: Thinking all elected legislatures are "independent."
  Reality: In China and Iran, the legislature is heavily influenced or controlled by the ruling party or religious leaders.
• Mistake: Confusing Nigeria and Mexico's federal systems with the UK's unitary system.
  Reality: In Nigeria and Mexico, the bicameral system is specifically designed to represent states. In the UK, it's more about tradition and class history.

Quick Review Quiz

1. Which two countries in our course have unicameral legislatures? (Answer: China and Iran)

2. In which country does the House of Lords sit? (Answer: The United Kingdom)

3. What is the name of the lower house in Russia that confirms the Prime Minister? (Answer: The State Duma)

Note: For more on how these legislatures actually check the power of the executive, see Chapter 2.7 Independent Legislatures.