What is a Bicameral System?
A government with a two-house legislative branch, like the United States Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is referred to as bicameral. The Latin words “bi” (meaning two) and “camera” (meaning chamber) are the origin of the English word “bicameral.” Most parliamentary systems around the world have been modeled after the bicameral British Parliament.
In comparison, a unicameral system has all legislators discuss and cast votes together, while a bicameral system does not have such a feature. Like all other U.S. states (excluding Nebraska), the legislative branch of the federal government operates under a bicameral system. In contrast, the unicameral system is frequently in use in American cities.
What is Bicameral System? How It Works, History of U.S
A bicameral system of governance has two separate branches within the legislative body. The two houses of the U.S. government are the Senate and the House of Representatives. With an approximately 60/40 split between unicameral and bicameral systems, most foreign governments operate under unicameral systems. Different powers are granted to each chamber of the legislative branch in order to maintain a system of checks and balances. Within the legislative body, there are two separate branches in a bicameral system of government. In comparison to the Senate, the more populated House of Representatives branch has less restrictive membership standards with regard to age and terms of citizenship.
Table of Content
- What is a Bicameral System?
- Why does the United States have a Bicameral System?
- How does a Bicameral System Work?
- History of Bicameralism in the U.S
- Unicameralism vs. Bicameralism