Bicamerality as an Impact on Citizen Representation: A Comparative Analysis of Efficiency and Equity

Abstract

Bicamerality has had a significant impact on the representation of the citizen throughout history since it was born in England in the 13th century to provide representation in the upper house (Lords-privileged) and lower house (commons-citizen in general) , which balanced the representation. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of bicameralism on citizen representation. The methodology was a systematic study and review of scientific production in journals indexed in Scopus, in addition, authors of 30 text articles were involved, of which 13 articles were selected. On the other hand, the results of bicameralism in citizen representation are variable, depending on the political and social context of each country. In some cases, the existence of two chambers helped stop hasty decisions and encouraged a deeper debate. In others, legislative blockages and ineffectiveness in responding to the needs of the population. And, it was concluded that bicameralism offers a more balanced and representative system, but it also introduces complexities that must be improved with consensus, laws that satisfy the needs of the common interest, and thus, avoid the replacement of democracy with undemocratic systems.