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The Strange Revival of Bicameralism
The Strange Revival of Bicameralism Coakley, J. (2014). The Strange Revival of Bicameralism. Journal of Legislative Studies, 20(4), 542-572. https://doi.org/10.1080/13572334.2014.926168 Published in: Journal of Legislative Studies Queen's University Belfast - Research Portal: Link to publication record in Queen's University Belfast Research Portal Publisher rights © 2014 Taylor & Francis. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Queen's University Belfast Research Portal is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy The Research Portal is Queen's institutional repository that provides access to Queen's research output. Every effort has been made to ensure that content in the Research Portal does not infringe any person's rights, or applicable UK laws. If you discover content in the Research Portal that you believe breaches copyright or violates any law, please contact [email protected]. Download date:01. Oct. 2021 Published in Journal of Legislative Studies , 20 (4) 2014, pp. 542-572; doi: 10.1080/13572334.2014.926168 THE STRANGE REVIVAL OF BICAMERALISM John Coakley School of Politics and International Relations University College Dublin School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy Queen’s University Belfast [email protected] [email protected] ABSTRACT The turn of the twenty-first century witnessed a surprising reversal of the long-observed trend towards the disappearance of second chambers in unitary states, with 25 countries— all but one of them unitary—adopting the bicameral system. -
Federalism, Bicameralism, and Institutional Change: General Trends and One Case-Study*
brazilianpoliticalsciencereview ARTICLE Federalism, Bicameralism, and Institutional Change: General Trends and One Case-study* Marta Arretche University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil The article distinguishes federal states from bicameralism and mechanisms of territorial representation in order to examine the association of each with institutional change in 32 countries by using constitutional amendments as a proxy. It reveals that bicameralism tends to be a better predictor of constitutional stability than federalism. All of the bicameral cases that are associated with high rates of constitutional amendment are also federal states, including Brazil, India, Austria, and Malaysia. In order to explore the mechanisms explaining this unexpected outcome, the article also examines the voting behavior of Brazilian senators constitutional amendments proposals (CAPs). It shows that the Brazilian Senate is a partisan Chamber. The article concludes that regional influence over institutional change can be substantially reduced, even under symmetrical bicameralism in which the Senate acts as a second veto arena, when party discipline prevails over the cohesion of regional representation. Keywords: Federalism; Bicameralism; Senate; Institutional change; Brazil. well-established proposition in the institutional literature argues that federal Astates tend to take a slow reform path. Among other typical federal institutions, the second legislative body (the Senate) common to federal systems (Lijphart 1999; Stepan * The Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa no Estado -
Venezuela Self-Rule INSTITUTIONAL DEPTH and POLICY SCOPE Venezuela's Intermediate Governance Consists of Twenty-Three Estados
Venezuela Self-rule INSTITUTIONAL DEPTH AND POLICY SCOPE Venezuela’s intermediate governance consists of twenty-three estados (states) and the Distrito Capital (Capital District, formerly the Distrito Federal), as well as twelve island groupings which make up the dependencias federales (federal dependencies) with 6500 inhabitants, and until 1998, the territorios federales (federal territories), which were dependencies. The three territorios federales were granted the status of estados: Delta Amacuro in 1991, Amazonas in 1992, and Vargas in 1998.1 Estados are divided into statistical regions, which have no administrative life. New constitutions were passed in 1947, 1953, 1961, and 1999 (and revised in 2009). Two distritos metropolitanos (metropolitan districts)-- the Distrito del Alto Apure and Distrito Metropolitano de Caracas--were created in 2001 and 2000, respectively, and abolished late 2017. Venezuela was established as a federation by its first constitution in 1811 (Hernández-Mendible 1998: 2), but is today the most centralized of the four federal states in Latin America (Escobar Lemmon 2003; Lijphart 1999: 190; Levine 1989: 273; Bland 1997: 38, 2002). Estados gained some authority when the 1947 constitution was revised with the onset of democracy in 1961. A significant increase in regional authority also took place in the late eighties and early nineties (Penfold-Becerra 1999). In contrast, the presidency of Hugo Chávez (1999–2013) was centralizing. Article 3 of the 1947 constitution divides the national territory in estados, the Distrito Federal, and the Territorios Federales and Dependencias Federales. Estados were recognized as autonomous entities (Title VI, Art. 120), vested with compe- tences over local police (Art. 93), own institutional set up (Art. -
Bicameralism in Belgium: the Dismantlement of the Senate for the Sake of Multinational Confederalism by Patricia Popelier
ISSN: 2036-5438 Bicameralism in Belgium: the dismantlement of the Senate for the sake of multinational confederalism by Patricia Popelier Perspectives on Federalism, Vol. 10, issue 2, 2018 Except where otherwise noted content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons 2.5 Italy License E -215 Abstract Belgium was established in 1830 as a unitary state with a bicameral parliament, with symmetrical powers for the upper and the lower house. While federalism and bicameralism are often considered a pair, the Belgian system shows an inverse relationship. The Senate gradually turned into a house representative of the sub-states, but its powers declined inversely proportional to the level of decentralisation of the Belgian state. This paper inquires how the dismantling of the Belgian Senate fits in the increasingly devolutionary nature of the Belgian state structure. First, it nuances the link between bicameralism and federalism: bicameralism is an institutional device for federalism, but not by necessity, and only under specific conditions. The official narrative is that the Belgian Senate was reformed to turn it into a house of the sub-states in line as a federal principle, but in reality the conditions to fulfil this task are not fulfilled. Instead, the paper holds that bicameralism in Belgium is subordinate to the needs of multinational conflict management, and that complying with the federative ideal of an upper house giving voice to the collective needs of the sub-states would stand in the way of the evolution of the Belgian system towards confederalism based on two major linguistic groups. Key-words Bicameralism, parliamentary systems, federalism, confederalism, multinationalism Except where otherwise noted content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons 2.5 Italy License E -216 Even before its establishment, when Belgium’s founders discussed the design of the new Belgian State, the upper chamber was highly contentious in Belgium. -
Polity IV Country Report 2010: Venezuela
Polity IV Country Report 2010: Venezuela Score: 2009 2010 Change Polity: -3 -3 0 Democ: 1 1 0 Autoc: 4 4 0 Durable: 1 Tentative: Yes SCODE VEN CCODE 101 Date of Report 1 June 2011 Polity IV Component Variables XRREG XRCOMP XROPEN XCONST PARREG PARCOMP 2 1 4 3 3 3 Date of Most Recent Polity Transition (3 or more point change) End Date 17 December 2006 Begin Date 16 February 2009 Polity Fragmentation: No Constitution 1999 President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (PSUV); initially directly elected in Executive(s) February 1999; reelected under new constitution, July 2000; most recently reelected, 3 December 2006, 62.9% Unicameral: National Assembly (165 seats, 3 reserved for indigenous peoples; Legislature directly elected; most recent elections, 26 September 2010) United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and allies: 98 Other parties: 67 Judiciary Supreme Tribunal of Justice Narrative Description:1 Executive Recruitment: Designation (3) For over 30 years, starting in 1958, Venezuelan politics was defined by the peaceful rotation of power between the two establishment parties, the Christian Democratic Party (COPEI) and the Democratic Action party (AD). However, in late 1980s Venezuela was plagued by depressed oil revenues, a failing economy, and increasing popular dissatisfaction and political turmoil. There were two unsuccessful military coup attempts in 1992 (one led on 4 February 1992, by the current president, Hugo Chàvez) followed by the resignation in March 1993 of President Carlos Andrés Pérez after his impeachment for embezzlement (the legislature elected Senator Ramon Velásquez to serve out Pérez’s term). Rafael Caldera Rodríguez, who had led the movement to force Pérez’s resignation, formed a National Convergence coalition and won the December 1993 presidential election, becoming the first president not elected from either the COPEI or AD 1 The research described in this report was sponsored by the Political Instability Task Force (PITF). -
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3~~.1 + European: Communities 'fi/1101~ EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Working Documents 1980- 1981 7 January 1981 DOC. 1-693/80 REPORT drawn up on behalf of the Political Affairs Committee on th,;violation of human rights in Uruguay Rapporteur: Mrs. I. VAN DEN HEUVEL \ /?-.3 English Edition PE 67.139/fin. The European Parliament referred the following motions for resolutions to its Political Affairs Committee: - on 5 November 1979, the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr Glinne, Mrs Li~in, Mr Boyes, Mr Caborn and Mr Cohen on behalf of the Sooialis~ Group on the situation in uruguay (Doc. l-453/79): (thia motion for a r@solution was also referred to the Committee on External Economic Relations for an opinion) on 14 January 1980, the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr Rumor, Mr I<lepsch, Mrs Cassanmagnago-Cerretti, Ur Vergeer, Mr Diligent, Mr Herman, Mr Fischbach and Mr Ryan on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party on the situation in Uruguay (Doc. 1-645/79); on 19 September 1980, the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr Capanna on the violation of human rights in Uruguay and on the fate of Raul Sendic and eight other Uruguayan freedom fighters (Doc. 1-420/80). At its meeting of 23 January 1980 the Political Affairs Committee appointed Mrs .van den HEUVEL rapporteur. The Political Affairs Committee considered this motion for a resolution at its meetings of 20-22 October 1980 and 26-28 Nqvember 1980 and at the latter meeting it was adopted by 16 votes to one with three abstentions. -
SENATE August 14, 1967 by Mr
22534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - SENATE August 14, 1967 By Mr. McMILLAN: dwellers in preventing riots; to the Com By Mr. MULTER: H.R. 12328. A bill relating to the prohibi mittee on Banking and Currency. H.R. 12348. A bill for the relief of Nicolo tion of riots and incitement to riot in the By Mr. DEL CLAWSON (for himself Nicosia; to the Committee on the Judiciary. District of Columbia; to the Committee on and Mr. BOB WILSON): By Mr. SCHWENGEL: the District of Columbia. H.J. Res. 786. Resoiution to provide for the H.R. 12349. A bill for the relief of Christo By Mr. O'NEILL of Massachusetts: issuance of a gold medal to the widow of the pher Nicholas Rushton; to the Committee on H.R.12329. A bill to amend section 2(3) late Walt Disney and for the issuance of the Judiciary. and section 8c(6) (I) of the Agricultural bronze medals to the California Institute of Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amend the Arts in recognition of the distinguished ed; to the Committee on Agriculture. public service and the outstanding contribu PETITIONS, ETC. By Mr. ROONEY of Pennsylvania: tions of Walt Disney to the United States H.R. 12330. A bill to provide Federal assist and to the world; to the Committee on Bank Under clause 1 of rule XXII, petitions ance to improve the educational services in ing and Currency. and papers were laid on the Clerk's desk public and private nonprofit child day care By Mr. KING of California: and referred as follows: centers; to the Committee on Education and H.J. -
Venezuela: Issues for Congress
Venezuela: Issues for Congress Mark P. Sullivan Specialist in Latin American Affairs January 10, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R40938 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Venezuela: Issues for Congress Summary Under the rule of populist President Hugo Chávez, first elected in 1998, Venezuela has undergone enormous political changes, with a new constitution and unicameral legislature, and even a new name for the country, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the deterioration of democratic institutions and threats to freedom of expression under the Chávez government. President Chávez won reelection to another six-year term on October 7, 2012, by a margin of 11%, capturing about 55% of the vote compared to 44% for opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. On December 11, 2012, however, Chávez faced a fourth difficult operation in Cuba for an undisclosed form of cancer that has raised questions about Venezuela’s political future. Because of significant health complications, Vice President Nicolás Maduro announced on January 8, 2013, that President Chávez would not be sworn into office on January 10 as planned, but that he would be sworn into office at a later date, a decision supported by Venezuela’s Supreme Court. Looking ahead, if President Chávez does not recover, the Constitution calls for a new election to be held within 30 days if the president dies or is incapacitated during the first four years of his term. U.S. Policy The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, a major supplier of foreign oil, but there has been friction in relations under the Chávez government. -
Venezuela: Background and U.S
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations Updated April 28, 2021 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R44841 SUMMARY R44841 Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations April 28, 2021 The crisis in Venezuela has deepened under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro, who has consolidated power despite presiding over a dire economic and humanitarian Clare Ribando Seelke, crisis worsened by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Maduro, Coordinator narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), and the Specialist in Latin United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) took de facto control of the National American Affairs Assembly, the last independent branch of government, in January 2021. Maduro has resisted U.S. and international pressure to step down and an opposition led by Juan Rebecca M. Nelson Guaidó, the National Assembly president elected in 2015 and once regarded as interim Specialist in International Trade and Finance president by nearly 60 countries. Venezuela’s economy has collapsed. The country is plagued by hyperinflation, severe Rhoda Margesson shortages of food and medicine, and a dire humanitarian crisis that has further Specialist in International deteriorated as a result of gasoline shortages, COVID-19, and U.S. sanctions. Maduro Humanitarian Policy has blamed sanctions for the economic crisis, but many observers cite economic mismanagement and corruption as the main factors. U.N. agencies estimate 5.6 million Phillip Brown Venezuelans have fled the country as of April 2021. Specialist in Energy Policy U.S. Policy The U.S. government ceased recognizing Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president in January 2019. -
Newsletter Boletín4
NEWSLETTER BOLETÍN4 Senate Activities / Actividdes del Sendo Diciembre 2018 - Enero 2019 Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019 1 From May 15 to 18, 2019 2019 CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAS Information / Información Date: From May 15th to 18th, -.Visits to: Puente del Inca, 2019 in Mendoza -Argentina Horcones (Aconcagüa hill Nights: viewpoint), General San Mar- Actual Ticket’s price 1st: Welcome Party tin Park, Foundational Area, USD 420 until 03/31/2019 2nd: Global Village Cacheuta hot springs, museu- https://www.cvent.com/d/kg- 3rd: Argentina ms, Hill of Glory (Cerro de la qsvq/4W 4th: Gala dinner Gloria), theatres, The Route of Wine (highly recommended), pubs and restaurants on Arís- tides Villanueva St., Fuente Touristic activities that Accommodation : Inter- de los Continentes, Rosedal you can do or some places continental Mendoza (head- (Rose garden), Park’s lake Argentina you can visit before or after quarters hotel) (artificial lake), Pierre Auger the event: Double Standard USD 150 Observatory, Atuel Canyon, Deluxe USD 190 -.Tours on the mountains, tre- kking, sightseeing and rappel Laguna del Diamante, Wit- Suites USD 250 ches’ Cave, Manzano Históri- Bookings: turismo@sbcon- -.Rafting co (Historic apple tree), Los gresos.com -.Horse riding Reyunos, Villavicencio Natu- -.Paragliding ral Reserve, and more. Visa information -.Go on a Hot Air Ballon http://www.migraciones.gov. -.Trekking ar/accesible/indexN.php?vi- -.Wine tastings sas#R -.Zipline -.City tour Event website https://jciargentina.org.ar/conferencia-jci-de-las-americas-2019/ MENDOZA 2 ASAC Newsletter Nº4 Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019 3 ASAC President Message Mensaje del Presidente de ASAC Nº ENG My Dear ASAC Friends: ESP Mis queridos amigos de Content 4 ASAC: I hope this newsletter finds you ASAC President Message Mensaje del Presidente ASAC well. -
Report on the Mission to Canaima
World Heritage 23 BUR Distribution limited WHC-99/CONF.204/INF.18 Paris, 25 June 1999 Original : English UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION CONVENTION CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE BUREAU OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE Twenty-third session Paris, UNESCO Headquarters, Room X 5 - 10 July 1999 Information Document: Report of the Mission to Canaima National Park (Venezuela), 16-19 May 1999 SUMMARY Following the invitation from the Authorities of Venezuela to the Centre and IUCN to field a site visit to Canaima National Park and in accordance with the decisions of the World Heritage Committee at its twenty-second session a mission has been undertaken from 16-19 May 1999. The Bureau may wish to recall that the Committee (Kyoto, 1998) had requested that the findings of the mission and its recommendation concerning whether or not Canaima be included in the List of World Heritage in Danger be submitted to the twenty-third session of the Bureau in 1999. Action by the Bureau: The Bureau may wish to take note of the report and the recommendations made therein. Report of UNESCO-IUCN monitoring mission to Canaima National Park, Venezuela, 16-19 May 1999 1 Prepared by Pedro Rosabal (IUCN) and José Pedro de Oliveira Costa (UNESCO/WHC) Background This mission responded to the concerns of the World Heritage Committee regarding the integrity of Canaima National Park due to the threats posed by a proposal to erect a series of transmission lines across this World Heritage site. This issue was discussed by the Committee at its twenty-first session (Naples, 1997). -
Subnational Bicameralism: the Argentine Case in Comparative Perspective
Subnational Bicameralism: The Argentine Case in Comparative Perspective Andrés Malamud [email protected] Center for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES) University Institute of Management, Social Sciences and Technologies (ISCTE) Lisbon, Portugal Martín Costanzo [email protected] Department of Political Science University of Buenos Aires Abstract Bicameralism is a frequent form of structuring the legislative body in many nation states. Often associated with large geographic or demographic dimensions and with federalism, bicameralism has been rarely implemented at the sub-national level. Most American states and eight Argentine provinces rank among such rare exceptions. This research focuses on subnational bicameralism in Argentina in order to describe its singularities, compare its characteristics and assess its performance and evolution. The final remarks draw some theoretical conclusions and provide a guideline aimed at assisting institutional reform. Keywords: Parliaments – Bicameralism – Federalism – Subnational government – Argentina Prepared for delivery at the XIX World Congress of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), Durban, South Africa, June 29-July 4, 2003. Introduction* Bicameralism, as the legislative structure in which decision-making processes involve two separate collective bodies, is a widespread method of organizing national legislatures. By May 2001, the Inter-Parliamentary Union recognized 178 parliamentary democracies, 63 of which –a third part— had two chambers (Russell 2001).