legislatureform

Legislatureform is a term used in political science to describe the formal structure of a legislature—the arrangement through which laws are proposed, debated, and enacted. It encompasses how members are selected, how they are organized, and the powers and procedures that govern their work.

Key dimensions include whether the body is unicameral or bicameral, the method of member selection (election or appointment and the use of party lists or constituencies), term lengths, and the distribution of powers among chambers where present. The internal organization typically includes presiding officers, leadership by majority and minority groups, and standing and special committees that handle legislation, oversight, and investigation.

Legislatureform also covers procedural rules for debate, amendments, votes, and budget authorization, as well as the relationship to the executive branch—whether powers are separated (presidential or semi-presidential systems) or fused (parliamentary systems). The constitutional or statutory basis of the legislature, as well as representation of regional or minority interests in federal or unitary states, are part of the form.

The form affects legislative speed, accountability, minority protection, and the balance of powers. While many democracies favor a bicameral form to check majoritarian decisions or to represent subnational units, others use a unicameral approach for simplicity and efficiency. Some systems combine features, such as delegations to committees or confirmation powers for executive appointments.