As a political science expert, I'm often asked about the structure of various legislative systems around the world. One of the key distinctions is between unicameral and bicameral legislatures. A unicameral legislature is a system where the legislative body consists of only one chamber. This is in contrast to a bicameral legislature, which has two separate assemblies, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the United States.

The adoption of a unicameral system can be influenced by various factors, including the size of the country, its political history, and the desire for a more streamlined legislative process. Smaller nations or those with a unitary form of government often find a unicameral system more efficient and less complex. It's also worth noting that some countries have transitioned from a bicameral to a unicameral system, as has been the case with Greece, New Zealand, and Peru in the 20th century[^1^].

When we look at the list of countries with unicameral systems, we find a mix of both small and larger nations. Some of the countries that have adopted this system include Armenia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Hungary, Monaco, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey, and Sweden[^1^]. Each of these countries has its unique approach to governance, but they all share the common feature of a single legislative chamber.

For instance, Sweden operates under a parliamentary system with a king as the ceremonial head of state and a prime minister who wields executive power. The Swedish Parliament, known as the Riksdag, has 349 seats, and any political party that garners at least 4% of the national vote is allocated seats based on a proportional representation system[^1^]. This system allows for a diverse representation of political views within the single legislative body.

Denmark and Finland are also examples of countries with unicameral systems. Denmark's parliament, the Folketing, is the supreme legislative authority in the country. Similarly, Finland's parliament, the Eduskunta, serves as the unicameral legislative body, with members elected through a proportional representation system.

It's important to recognize that while unicameral systems are often associated with smaller countries, they are not exclusively so. The choice to have a unicameral system can also be a matter of political preference and the desire for a more efficient legislative process. Larger countries may also opt for a unicameral system, although this is less common.

In conclusion, the unicameral system offers a streamlined approach to legislation, with a single chamber responsible for debating and passing laws. The countries that have adopted this system do so for various reasons, including efficiency, simplicity, and historical precedent. Understanding the nuances of each country's legislative structure provides valuable insight into their political processes and governance.

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Countries with unicameral governments include Armenia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Hungary, Monaco, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey and Sweden. Unicameral systems became more popular during the 20th century and some countries, including Greece, New Zealand and Peru, switched from a bicameral to a unicameral system.read more >>