Bicameralism in Slovenia throughout a Three-Dimensional Approach

Dušan Štrus, Boštjan Brezovnik

Abstract


The scientific article discusses bicameralism in Slovenia using a three-dimensional approach. The main objective is to identify whether Slovenian bicameralism is weak or strong, using the criteria of symmetry, congruence, and perceived legitimacy. To achieve this, the authors use the descriptive and analytical method. In their opinion, Slovenian bicameralism has always been categorized as weak based only on its formal powers in the legislative procedure. Therefore, all proposed changes related to the National Council aim to change its formal powers without taking into account the congruence and perceived legitimacy criteria. The authors provide a unique insight into the other two criteria and suggest that calls for reform of the National Council should primarily deal with the congruence and perceived legitimacy criteria. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that no scientific papers have dealt with bicameralism in Slovenia using a three-dimensional approach. The authors believe that the article has cognitive value in times of constant calls for reform of the National Council.


Keywords


bicameralism; National Council; three-dimensional approach; congruence; perceived legitimacy

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References


LITERATURE

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LEGAL ACTS

Act amending the Act on Members of Parliament (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia of 25 May 2011, no. 39/11).

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Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, no. 33/91-I, as amended).

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Rules of Procedure of the National Council (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, no. 70/08, as amended).

CASE LAW

Judgment of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia of 22 October 2008, U-I-295/07.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/sil.2023.32.3.63-74
Date of publication: 2023-09-29 15:54:17
Date of submission: 2023-04-21 14:25:12


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