Same Job, Different Roles: Self-Perceptions of Members of an Upper Chamber as a Factor Influencing Bicameralism

Analyses of bicameralism have traditionally centered on the powers, congruence, and (recently) legitimacy of upper chambers, while overlooking how senators themselves perceive their institution’s role. This is vital because upper chambers may adopt different roles. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with Czech senators analyzed through qualitative content analysis, this study demonstrates that senators actively interpret and shape the Senate’s role within the political system. The key implication is that the role of an entire constitutional institution – and thus the nature of bicameralism, despite constitutional stability – remains fluid and depends, at least in part, on how its members perceive their role.