Bicameral System
Candlefocus EditorThe bicameral system was first adopted by the United States of America when it was established in 1776. This system has since been adopted by many different countries across the world. The bicameral system is heavily implemented in most countries with a federal structure. This form of government builds stability and unity in the formation of laws and provides an effective form of representation for citizens.
The two chambers of the bicameral system are the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is the more accessible of these chambers, with the members chosen from districts across the country. The members in the House are typically voted in for two-year terms. The United States House of Representatives currently has 435 members, each representing a district. The Senate is the less accessible of the two chambers, with members being chosen by the entire state populace. The members of the Senate are voted in for six-year terms, with 33 or 34 senators voted into office every two years.
The bicameral system prevents any one chamber from having too much power. This form of system ensures effective lawmaking by creating an equilibrium between the two chambers. The different levels of representation also prevent any one group from having too much influence in the legislative system. The Senate and the House of Representatives each have different powers that allow for negotiating, proposing laws and making decisions. The House of Representatives is able to originate any tax bills or legislation related to money, while the Senate’s power is to ratify treaties and confirm appointments.
The bicameral system is used worldwide in many different forms. The exact amount of power and representation of each chamber vary depending on the country, enabling governments to customise their system to best suit their individual needs. It is a vital part of many different government systems and allows for a greater level of stability and representation.