Difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature

Q: What is the main difference between unicameral and bicameral legislature?

The main difference lies in the number of houses: unicameral has one house, while bicameral has two legislative houses.

Q: How many Indian states have a bicameral legislature?

Currently, six Indian states have a bicameral legislature: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Q: Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with state legislatures?

Article 168 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of State Legislatures, either unicameral or bicameral.

Q: Is bicameral legislature compulsory for Indian states?

No, having a bicameral legislature is not compulsory. States may create or abolish a Legislative Council through a resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly and Parliament’s approval.

Q: Why do most Indian states prefer unicameral legislature?

Most states prefer unicameral legislatures because they are cost-effective, efficient, and simpler to administer.

Table of Contents☰

The legislature is one of the most important organs of government, responsible for law-making, representation of the people, and oversight of the executive. Legislatures across the world are broadly classified into Unicameral and Bicameral systems based on the number of legislative houses. Understanding the difference between unicameral and bicameral legislature is crucial for Indian polity, governance, and constitutional studies.

In India, while the Parliament is bicameral, most State Legislatures are unicameral, with only a few states following the bicameral system. Both systems have distinct features, advantages, and limitations.

What is a Unicameral Legislature?

A Unicameral Legislature is a legislative system that consists of only one house or chamber. In this system, all legislative powers such as law-making, budget approval, and executive oversight are exercised by a single body.

In India, most states follow a unicameral legislature where the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is the only house. Members are directly elected by the people, ensuring direct democratic representation.

Features of a Unicameral Legislature

It has only one legislative house, making the law-making process simpler and faster.
Members are generally directly elected, enhancing democratic accountability.
It is cost-effective as it avoids the expenses of maintaining an upper house.
Decision-making is less time-consuming since bills do not require approval from another chamber.
It is suitable for smaller states or countries with limited population and administrative needs.

What is a Bicameral Legislature?

A Bicameral Legislature consists of two separate houses: a Lower House and an Upper House. The objective of this system is to introduce checks and balances in the legislative process and ensure more detailed scrutiny of laws.

In India, the Parliament is bicameral, comprising the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). Similarly, a few Indian states have bicameral legislatures with a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).

Features of a Bicameral Legislature

It has two houses, allowing reconsideration and refinement of legislation.
The Upper House often represents states, regions, or experienced members, adding depth to debates.
It acts as a revising and delaying chamber, preventing hasty laws.
It provides representation to diverse interests, including professionals and minorities.
It strengthens the system of checks and balances within the legislature.

Indian States Having Bicameral Legislature

As of now, six Indian states have a bicameral legislature:

Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana

Each of these states has a Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), established under Article 168 of the Indian Constitution.

Difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature

The following table clearly explain the Difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature in a comparative and exam-friendly manner:

Difference between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature
Unicameral Legislature	Bicameral Legislature
Consists of only one legislative house responsible for law-making.	Consists of two legislative houses, usually a Lower House and an Upper House.
Has a single chamber, generally called the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) in states.	Has two chambers – Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in states.
Bills are passed by one house only, making the legislative process quicker.	Bills must be approved by both houses, ensuring detailed scrutiny and debate.
Law-making is faster and simpler due to absence of a second house.	Law-making is slower as bills may be delayed or amended by the Upper House.
Provides limited internal checks within the legislature.	Ensures stronger checks and balances through the revising role of the second house.
Laws may sometimes be passed without extensive examination.	Laws are generally better examined and refined before enactment.
Represents the general electorate directly through elected members.	Represents diverse interests, including regions, professionals, and experienced members.
More cost-effective due to maintenance of only one house.	Costlier due to maintenance of two legislative houses.
Suitable for smaller states or less diverse populations.	Suitable for larger states and diverse societies.
No possibility of deadlock between houses.	Possibility of deadlock between the two houses on legislation.
Easier to amend and pass laws quickly.	Amendments require approval of both houses, making the process more rigid.
Money Bills are passed solely by the single house.	Upper House has limited powers over Money Bills; final authority rests with the Lower House.
Followed by most Indian states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.	Followed by six Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Examples include New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, and Nepal.	Examples include India (Parliament), USA, UK, and Australia.
Provided under Article 168 of the Indian Constitution for states.	Also provided under Article 168, allowing states to have two houses.

Also Check Related Articles
Difference between NITI Aayog and Inter-State Council	Difference Between Economic Survey and Union Budget
Difference Between Tropical Evergreen and Tropical Deciduous Forests	Difference Between Ordinary Bill and Money Bill
Difference Between Legislative and Executive	Difference between Himalayan and Peninsular Plateau
Difference Between Vedas and Upanishads	Difference Between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Banks
Difference Between Written and Unwritten Constitution	Difference between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission
Difference between Colonialism and Imperialism	Difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
Difference between Procedure Established by Law and Due Process of Law	Difference Between Democracy and Republic
Difference between Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer of OBC	Difference between Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha
Difference Between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats