Multilevel parliamentary relations have drawn attention in European studies, but scholars rarely have studied them in comparative perspective. This article outlines a framework for such an extended research, determined to better comprehend the emergence, structures and operation of representative democracy on multilevel systems. Based on this framework, the article illustrates various patterns of multilevel parliamentary democracy by comparing Canada, Germany and the EU.
As will be explained, multilevel structures provide opportunities for strategic action for executives, but also for parliaments aiming at extending or maintaining their power. Accordingly, rather than a stable constellation we should expect an ever changing constellation. In this context, inter-parliamentary relations can contribute to preserve a balance of power, to make parliamentary control of multilevel governance more effective, and to improve accountability of the executive. Moreover, dynamics of multilevel parliamentary relations have to be taken into account when we qualify democratic representation in federations.
This comparative approach can enlighten debates on representation and democracy in the EU. It can also contribute to better understand the impact of increasing economic divides on the stability or instability of multilevel democracy in Europe.
