A class was debating the merits of a bicameral system. The following points were made during the discussion. Read the arguments and say if you agree or disagree with each of them, giving reasons.
Neha said that bicameral legislature does not serve any purpose.
I disagree with Neha. A bicameral legislature serves important purposes. It makes it possible to have every decision reconsidered as every decision taken by one house goes to the other house for its decision. This means that every bill and policy would be discussed twice, ensuring a double check on every matter. Even if one house takes a decision in haste, that decision will come for discussion in the other house and reconsideration will be possible. Countries with large size and much diversity usually prefer two houses to give representation to all sections in society and all geographical regions.
Shama argued that experts should be nominated in the second chamber.
I agree with Shama. The second chamber can perform the useful function of being a revising body. As mentioned in the Constituent Assembly debates, those who could not enter into the rough and tumble of active politics could advise the Lower House. Nominating experts allows people with specialized knowledge to contribute to law-making without having to contest elections. Their expertise helps in detailed scrutiny of legislation.
Tridib said that if a country is not a federation, then there is no need to have a second chamber.
I disagree with Tridib. While federations do need a second chamber to represent federal units (like Germany's Bundesrat represents its 16 federal states), even non-federal countries benefit from bicameralism. The purpose of having two houses extends beyond federal representation. It ensures representation of all sections in society, provides reconsideration of decisions, and acts as a check against hasty legislation. These functions are valuable regardless of whether a country is a federation or not.
Explanation
This question tests understanding of the merits of bicameral legislature. The textbook context clearly outlines the purposes of a second chamber: reconsideration of decisions, double check on legislation, representation of diverse sections and regions, and providing a platform for experts. Students should use these points to evaluate each argument. The quote from Purnima Banerji in the Constituent Assembly debates supports the nomination of experts. The Germany example shows how federal units are represented, but the general principles of bicameralism apply to all democratic countries, not just federations.