Dealing with Big Brother: Relations with the first chamber

An issue central to an understanding of second chambers- their relationship with the first chamber in a bicameral system - is examined. Drawing on a variety of real-world illustrations, consideration is given to how interchamber relations may be shaped by variance in three key factors: the relative powers of the two chambers, the balance of party competition between them, and the degree of party unity prevailing. The interrelationship between these factors may often be complicated; what is more certain is that inter-cameral relations both reflect and influence wider processesin a political system.