Population-Based Democracy Vs. Area-Based Democracy-(Part Thirteen) Separation Of Powers in the Two State Houses of a Bicameral Legislature

 

Population-Based Democracy Vs. Area-Based Democracy-(Part Thirteen) Separation Of Powers in the Two State Houses of a Bicameral Legislature

Voters have the responsibility to understand that in a Representative Democracy, both Population-Based and Area-Based democratic models are needed. In state legislature, the House Of Delegates/Assembly is population based and the State Senate is area based.

This means in a bicameral legislature, each house has to have different roles and responsibilities. Granted, approval from both houses are needed to pass or repeal legislation. However, that is and should be the only same practice of the two houses (lower and upper).

If legislation affects a certain group or sector of people, it must originate in the lower house (House Of Delegates/Assembly). If legislation affects all the people (citizens and lawful non-citizens), then it must originate in the upper house (State Senate).

The power of impeachment of any state official shall belong to the lower house (House Of Delegates/Assemblypersons). The power of trial of any state official shall belong to the upper house (State Senate). 

The power of taxation shall originate with the lower house (House Of Delegates/Assemblypersons). If a national matter, international matter, and/or ant other special event necessitates a special need for taxation, then that prospective legislation can be allowed to originate from the State Senate (upper house).  

All confirmation of prospective cabinet officials and of federal court and supreme court judges is to be provided by the State Senate (upper house). 

Cliff Notes Version: In a bicameral legislature, the two houses are based on different democratic models. That is why they have to have different roles and responsibilities.

The only role both houses should have in common is voting on legislation. If a bill affects a certain group of people, it must originate in the lower house. If a bill affects the entire state, it should originate in the State Senate (upper house). 

Impeachment of any officeholder should be conducted in the lower house. Trial of any officeholder should be conducted in the State Senate (upper house). 

Bills concerning taxes and revenue should originate in the lower house. If an national matter, international matter and/or any other special event necessitates the need for ad hoc taxation, that bill should originate in the State Senate (upper house).