What is the term for a legislature with two houses?

A legislature with two houses is referred to as bicameral. This structure typically involves two distinct chambers, which may include a lower house and an upper house. The purpose of a bicameral legislature is to provide a system of checks and balances within the legislative process, ensuring that legislation is thoroughly debated and considered from multiple perspectives.

In countries with a bicameral system, the two houses often have different roles, powers, and methods of how members are elected or appointed. This division can enhance representation by allowing various interests or regions to have a voice in the governmental process.

The term monocameral describes a legislative body with a single chamber, which means there is no division that could offer checks and balances within the legislative process. Unicameral is a synonym for monocameral, emphasizing the one-chamber structure. Tricameral refers to a legislature with three chambers, which is a less common structure. Thus, the term bicameral is accurate for describing a two-house legislature, highlighting its complexity and the dynamic interactions that can occur between the two chambers.