1. Lijphart, C11
Legislatures

2. The Importance of Legislative Bodies
Lawmaking the preeminent power in democratic government (on balance)
Legislatures preserve the basics of representation
In parliamentary systems, also have the significance of selecting the executive.

3. Unicameral v. Bicameral: The Basic Distinction
Obvious significance: it is easier to pass legislation through one chamber than two.
Unicameralism is generally associated with pure parliamentary systems and unitary states.
Power/significance of Upper Houses vary across cases
Symmetrical v. Assymetrical
Congruent v. Incongruent

4. 6 Characteristics Note: First three are descriptive & second three are key
Upper House tend to be smaller than the Lower House
Upper House terms tend to be longer
Upper House elections are often staggered
Are the two chambers formally equal legislatively speaking?
How is the Upper House elected?
Nature of representation in the upper house?