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bicameral

Definition

A bicameral legislature is a system of government in which the legislative branch is divided into two separate chambers or houses. Typically, these are known as the lower house and the upper house, with each having different powers, responsibilities, and methods of election or appointment.

Analogy

Think of a bicameral legislature as a two-layer cake. Each layer has its own unique flavor (representing the distinct roles and functions of each chamber), but only together do they make up the complete dessert (the full legislative process). Just as both layers contribute to the taste and structure of the cake, both houses in a bicameral system must work together to create and pass legislation.

Related terms

Unicameral: A unicameral legislature is a system of government with only one legislative chamber or house, making it simpler than a bicameral system.

Federalism: Federalism is a form of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces), often requiring a bicameral legislature at the federal level to manage this division.

Checks and Balances: Checks and balances refer to the system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful, with bicameral legislatures often playing a key role by reviewing and revising legislation passed by the other chamber