Bicameralism

Description

This book points out that the interaction between the chambers in bicameral legislatures is central to understanding behavior in each chamber, a point neglected in previous studies. It surveys bicameral institutions from numerous countries and presents models that explain the significance of different institutional arrangements. These hypotheses are illustrated and tested with data from the French Fifth Republic, and supplemented with data from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United States, and the European Union.

' ... this is an impressive piece of social science scholarship which merits attention essentially from those in the academic community who are interested in comparative legislatures, the study of federations, and the role of second chambers in contemporary states. It would also serve as a useful primer for those interested in institutional reform ... Certainly this comparative study confirms that bicameralism continues to matter.' Commonwealth and Comparative Politics