A bicameral legislature is a two-house legislative system, exemplified by the House of Representatives and the Senate that together form the U.S. Congress. The term ‘bicameral’ originates from the Latin words “bi” (meaning two) and “camera” (meaning chamber).
The British Parliament’s bicameral model has influenced parliamentary systems worldwide.
This system contrasts with a unicameral system, where all legislative members deliberate and vote as a single entity. In the U.S., both the federal legislative branch and all states, except Nebraska, use a bicameral system. Meanwhile, U.S. cities often prefer the unicameral system.
Key Takeaways
- A bicameral legislature operates with two separate divisions within the legislative branch.
- The U.S. Congress is split into the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Globally, there is a roughly 60/40 split between unicameral and bicameral systems.
- Each legislative house has unique powers to provide checks and balances within the system.
- The House of Representatives has less stringent age and citizenship requirements compared to the Senate.
How a Bicameral System Works
In a bicameral legislature, the two chambers often feature different organizational structures, rules, member selection methods, and powers, ensuring balanced governance. In the U.S., this structure lends itself to a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from accumulating excessive power.
Historically, bicameral systems balance the power among different social groups. Originating in medieval Europe, distinct groups such as nobility, clergy, and commoners advised the king and represented their interests. In the modern U.K., the House of Lords remains an elite body, while the House of Commons represents a broader populace.
In the U.S., the bicameral system emerged to balance the legislative branch during debates over state representation.
History of Bicameralism in the U.S.
The U.S. Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is mandated by Article 1, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution. During the Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise resolved debates over representation by balancing equal and proportional representation.
- House of Representatives: Members serve two-year terms, ensuring responsiveness to voters. There are 435 representatives distributed based on state populations.
- Senate: Each state elects two senators serving six-year terms, originally appointed by state legislatures prior to the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913.
- Unique Powers: Only the House can impeach federal officials, while only the Senate can confirm executive appointments and ratify treaties.
Bicameralism vs. Unicameralism
Globally, around 41% of governments are bicameral, with the rest being unicameral. Countries with bicameral systems include Australia, Canada, Germany, and India. Some nations have transitioned from bicameral to unicameral systems, such as Greece and New Zealand.
What Does Bicameral Mean?
Bicameral means “two chambers,” referring to a government structure with two legislative bodies.
Why Did the U.S. Constitution Establish a Bicameral Legislature?
The Founding Fathers established a bicameral legislature to create a balance of power. The Great Compromise ensured equitable power distribution by granting equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House.
Which U.S. States Do Not Have a Bicameral Legislature?
Nebraska is the single U.S. state with a unicameral legislature.
The Bottom Line
A bicameral legislature features a two-house system, such as the U.S. Congress. This design provides a balanced approach to governance, contrasting with unicameral systems where legislative members vote as a single group.
Related Terms: unicameral system, checks and balances, separation of powers, representation.
