Bicameralism

The United States legislative branch of government is made up of two branches. This is a requisite of the Constitution in Article I. The two branches consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The two elements here are key to the passing of legislation. Legislation cannot pass Congress without passing the House and the Senate. Of the two branches, the Senate is of equal proportion among the states. Each state is represented by two senators elected by the people. Senators must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent. They serve terms of 6 years and are elected every 2 years so that a third of the Senate is always up for election. Until 1913, senators were elected by each state legislation. The House of Representatives represented in Congress by the population of each state but this number was capped off at 435 in 1911. They also have elections every two years but the terms are also for 2 years. Therefore, the entire House is up for re-election every two years. A member of the House must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state in which their district is located. Both branches share similar powers but other powers are distinct. The Senate has the unique responsibility of ratifying treaties and by a two-thirds vote. It also confirms presidential appointments such as federal judges, ambassadors, and executive branch officials. The only major appointment that needs approval by the House is for the vice presidency in the event it becomes vacant and the president has to nominate a new one. Some of the share duties are that both branches must vote by a two-thirds margin to propose constitutional amendments, and both sides must agree by majority to declare war. Also the government cannot raise nor spend money without the approval of both chambers. One distinct power that the House has is that it can impeach an executive or judicial branch member by a majority vote. The accused can then be removed by the Senate with a two-thirds vote. Bicameralism allows for a more comprehensive representation and assures more sustainability. Especially in a country where there is rapid change. Supporters of bicameralism feel that if there were only one branch of government that it would jeopardize the integrity of our government. That in time, it would be ruled by an upper class with more money to manipulate it with. With two branches it also allows for one branch to somewhat watch over the other. One does not allow the other to become more powerful than the other; or just overpowering in general. Bicameralism offers balance for a well rounded government. The case against bicameralism comes from the argument that there is no real advantage to having a two part system in place. Supporters for unicameralism feel that bicameralism is more prone to impurities and malfunctions. They also feel that it would be a greater problem to repair in the event that it falls apart. So the main argument seems to be more of the fact that they are against bicameralism as opposed to for unicameralism. In the end, Bicameralism seems to be working. It has not fallen apart. If there are any faults or cracks, it is setup so that the two branches can repair it. It also allows the people to have a voice in the matter by having representation in Congress. If one chamber feels strong about one issue, it does need the support of the other. For the most part bicameralism has been fair and has achieved balance.