Introduction:
In every democratic country, the government performs three main functions — making laws, executing laws, and interpreting laws. These three functions are carried out by three main organs of the government: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
Among these, the Legislature plays a very important role because it makes the laws that guide the entire nation. Without laws, no society can run in an orderly or fair way. Laws bring discipline, justice, and peace to the country.
Meaning of legislature !
The word Legislature comes from two Latin words “legis” meaning law, and “lature” meaning to make.
So, the Legislature means a body that makes laws.
In simple words - the legislature is a group of elected representatives who meet to discuss public issues, frame policies, and pass laws for the country.
It represents the will of the people and ensures that the government acts according to the Constitution.
In a democracy, people elect their representatives through elections. And these representatives form the Legislature, which becomes the voice of the people in the government.
Every law made by the legislature affects the daily life of citizens — from education to taxation.
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Importance of Legislature
1. Foundation of Democracy:
The legislature is the foundation of democratic governance. It represents the opinions, needs, and aspirations of the people.
Without a legislature, democracy cannot function properly.
2. Law-Making Authority:
The legislature is the law-making body of the government. Means - No law can be made or enforced without approval from the legislature.
It creates new laws and modifies or removes old ones as needed.
3. Control Over the Government:
The legislature keeps a check on the executive (the government). It ensures that the government does not misuse its powers and works according to the Constitution.
4. Platform for Public Discussion:
The legislature serves as a forum for open debate on important national and social issues. Members discuss problems, policies, and solutions for the country’s development.
5. Guardian of Public Rights:
The legislature acts as a protector of citizens’ rights. It promotes public welfare by passing laws that safeguard the interests of the people.
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Functions of Legislature
The Legislature performs several important functions that help in maintaining democracy and good governance.
Its main functions are explained below:
(A) Law-Making Function:
This is the primary and most important function of the legislature.
It makes new laws, amends or repeal old ones, or removes outdated laws according to the changing needs of society.
Law-Making Process:
1. Bill Proposal: A bill (proposal for a new law) is introduced in the legislature.
2. Discussion: The Bill is discussed and debated by Members in detail.
3. Voting: After necessary changes, the bill is voted upon.
4. Approval: Once passed, it is sent to the head of the state (President or Governor) for approval.
5. Becomes Law:After approval, the bill becomes a law.
(Laws may relate to health, education, defence, trade, environment, or social justice.)
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(B) Control Over the Executive:
The legislature checks the work of the executive (government) to ensure that it does not misuse power.
There are some ways to control over the Executive : these are:-
1. Question Hour: Members ask questions to ministers about their departments and policies.
2. Debates and Discussions: Members discuss the government’s policies, performance and decisions.
3. Motions and Resolutions: The legislature can express approval or disapproval of government actions.
4. No-Confidence Motion: If the legislature loses trust in the government, it can remove it by passing a no-confidence motion.
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(C) Financial Functions:
Money is the backbone of administration, but the executive cannot spend public money without the legislature’s permission.
- 1. The annual budget is prepared by the government and presented before the legislature.
- 2. The legislature discusses, modifies, and approves the budget.
- 3. It also checks how the money is spent through committees like the Public Accounts Committee.
This ensures transparency and prevents financial misuse.
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(D) Representative Function:
The legislature represents the will of the people.
Its members are directly or indirectly elected by citizens.so they express the needs, problems of the people. They present local, regional, and national issues in the legislature, making it the true voice of the people.
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(E) Judicial Functions:
In some cases, the legislature also performs judicial functions.
• The Parliament of India can impeach the president.
• It can also remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts for misconduct.
This power helps maintain justice and accountability among top officials.
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(F) Electoral Function:
In parliamentary systems, the legislature elects certain officials, like the President (indirectly in India).
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(G) Constitutional Functions:
The legislature has the power to amend the Constitution.
When the government feels that some provisions of the Constitution need to be changed, the legislature follows a proper procedure to make such amendments.
This helps the Constitution remain relevant and effective with time.
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(H) Legislative Control Over Bureaucracy:
The bureaucracy implements laws and policies, but it must act under the control of the legislature. Through reports, committees, and questioning, the legislature keeps an eye on administrative activities.
This ensures that government officials act fairly and responsibly.
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Summary:- The legislature plays a central role in the political system. It makes laws, controls the government, approves finances, protects citizens’ rights, and represents the people.
In short, it is the heart of a democracy, ensuring justice, accountability, and good governance.
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Structure of Legislature
The structure of the legislature differs from country to country, depending on their political system and constitution.
The structure of the legislature is not the same in every country. In some countries, there is only one house (called unicameral), while in others, there are two houses (called bicameral).
Types of Legislature:
There are mainly two types of legislatures:
- Unicameral Legislature
- Bicameral Legislature
(A) Unicameral Legislature:
The word “uni” means one, and “camera” means chamber or house. So, a unicameral legislature means a single-house legislature.
In this system, there is only one chamber where all the members meet together to discuss and pass laws.
This makes the process faster and simpler because bills do not need to go through a second house.
In Many countries follow the unicameral system, such as America, Bulgaria, Turkey, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Uganda, and New Zealand. And Some countries like Greece and New Zealand have also changed their system from bicameral to unicameral for more efficiency.
Unicameral or single-chamber legislatures are usually found in nations with a centralized government system, where decision-making is simpler and less divided.
Merits / Advantages:
1. Simple and Quick Law-Making: Since there is only one house, laws can be passed easily without delay.
4. More Efficient: Decisions are made faster especially during emergencies or urgent situations.
5. Direct Responsibility: The single house is directly answerable to the people, making it more accountable.
Demerits / Disadvantages:
1. Lack of Review:Bills are not checked by a second house, which may lead to mistakes or poor laws.
2. Risk of Hasty Decisions: Laws may be passed too quickly without enough debate or consideration.
3. Less Representation: Different groups or regions might not get equal representation.
4. Possibility of Misuse of Power: With no second house to review, the ruling party might dominate completely.
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(B) Bicameral Legislature:
The term “Bicameral” comes from two Latin words- “bi” meaning two and “camera” meaning chamber or house. So, a bicameral legislature means a system that has two houses or chambers to make and pass laws.
A bicameral legislature is a system of government where the legislature is divided into two separate chambers or houses - one is called the Upper House and the other is the Lower House.
Both houses work together to make, discuss, and pass laws. A bill must be approved by both houses before it becomes a law.
Examples-
United States: The House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House)
India: The Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
United Kingdom: The House of Commons (Lower House) and the House of Lords (Upper House)
At the state level in India, only a few states have two houses, such as: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
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Origin:
The idea of a bicameral legislature started in old monarchies like the United Kingdom and spread to other European countries.
Earlier, it was meant to represent two major social groups:
- The nobles and upper classes (in the upper house), and
- The common people or citizens (in the lower house).
Later, when democracy developed, many countries adopted the bicameral system to give fair representation to different regions, groups, and communities.
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Structure of a Bicameral Legislature
A bicameral legislature usually has two houses:
1. Lower House (Popular House):
• Represents the people directly.
• Members are directly elected by citizens.
• Discusses and passes most laws and money bills.
• Example: Lok Sabha (India), House of Representatives (USA)
2. Upper House (Federal or Revising House):
• Represents the states, provinces, or special groups.
• Members are usually indirectly elected or nominated.
• Works as a reviewing chamber to check and revise laws passed by the lower house.
• Example: Rajya Sabha (India), Senate (USA)
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Merits / Advantages:
1. Wider Representation: Both the people and the states get fair representation, ensuring balanced decision-making.
2. Better Discussion: Two houses allow more time for debate and improve the quality of laws.
3. Prevents Hasty Decisions: Laws are carefully checked by both houses before becoming final.
4. Protects Federalism: The upper house safeguards the interests of states in a federal system like India.
5. Encourages Stability: The presence of two houses ensures that sudden political changes don’t affect the law-making process.
Demerits / Disadvantages:
1. Slow Law-Making: Since a bill must pass through two houses, it takes more time to become a law.
2. Conflict Between Houses: Sometimes disagreements between the upper and lower houses delay important work.
3. Expensive System: Maintaining two houses requires more money, staff, and facilities.
4. Conservative Nature: The upper house may slow down reforms and resist new changes.
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Summary:- Both systems have their own strengths and weaknesses.
- A unicameral legislature is better for small or unitary countries like - Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Sweden, iceland, Greece, Hungary etc.. where quick decisions are needed.
- A bicameral legislature is more suitable for large and diverse countries like India, the USA, or the UK, where representation, checks, and balance are important. where both people and states need representation.
Examples from around the world
Legislatures around the world are organised differently. Some countries use a two-chamber system, and others use a single chamber. These are described as a table.
| Country | Type of Legislature | Houses |
|---|---|---|
| India | Bicameral | Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha |
| United States | Bicameral | House of Representatives & Senate |
| United Kingdom | Bicameral | House of Commons & House of Lords |
| China | Unicameral | National People’s Congress |
Use this as a quick reference. For all compitative Exams.
Conclusion:
Whether bicameral or unicameral, every country’s legislature reflects its political history, population needs, and governance style. Understanding these structures helps us appreciate how laws are made, power is balanced, and democracy functions across the world.
After reading the concept, attempt the Legislature MCQs Quiz and check your knowledge.👇🔗 [https://www.thepolitywindow.com/2025/11/legislature-mcqs-polity-window-root_19.html]
Thank you..
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