Bicameral facts for kids

A bicameral system of government means that a country's law-making body, called the legislature or parliament, is split into two separate parts. The word "bicameral" comes from two Latin words: "bi," meaning "two," and "camera," meaning "chamber" or "room." So, it literally means "two chambers."

These two chambers usually have different numbers of members. The smaller one is often called the "upper house" or "senate." The larger one is known as the "lower house," or sometimes by names like "assembly" or "commons." For a new law to be created, most members in both chambers usually need to agree and vote for it.

Some people say that having two chambers can sometimes make it harder to pass laws, leading to "deadlocks." This happens when the two chambers can't agree. However, others believe this system is good because it creates "checks and balances." This means that each chamber can review and limit the power of the other. It helps stop laws from being passed that might only benefit one political faction, the government, or a small group of people.

What is a Bicameral System?

A bicameral system is like having two teams work together to make important decisions for a country. Each team, or chamber, has a specific role. They both need to agree on a new idea before it can become a law. This helps make sure that laws are carefully thought out and fair for everyone.

Why Have Two Chambers?

Having two chambers helps to share the power of making laws. It means that no single group or part of the government can make laws on its own. This system is designed to prevent quick or unfair decisions. It also allows for different groups of people to be represented in the law-making process. For example, one chamber might represent the population based on numbers, while the other might represent different regions or states equally.

Bicameral Systems Around the World

Many countries use a bicameral system to govern. Here are a few examples:

• In the United Kingdom, the two chambers are the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is elected by the public, while the House of Lords has appointed members.
• The United States Congress also has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Almost all U.S. states also have bicameral legislatures, except for Nebraska, which has only one chamber.
• Australia has a bicameral system with a House of Representatives and a Senate. Most Australian states also have two chambers, but Queensland has only one.
• India uses a bicameral system for both its central parliament and its state parliaments.

Images for kids

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  The Palace of Westminster, where the Parliament of the United Kingdom meets.

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  The United States Capitol, home to the United States Congress.

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  The Parliament House, where the Parliament of India meets.

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  The National Congress of Brazil, with its two chambers.

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  The federal bicameral Parliament of Canada, which has a House of Commons and a Senate.

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  The federal bicameral Parliament of Australia, which includes a House of Representatives and a Senate.

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  Inside the House of Lords chamber in the United Kingdom.

See also

In Spanish: Bicameralidad para niños