bicameral
What does "bicameral" mean?
The word "bicameral" describes a system of government or an organization that is divided into two separate branches, chambers, or houses. The mental image is of a building split down the middle, where each side must debate and agree before a final decision can be reached. It is primarily used in political science to describe legislatures like the U.S. Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While it sounds very formal, you will often hear it in news reports or history classes when discussing how power is balanced within a country's legal system.
"bicameral" in conversation
Political Science Class
Can anyone define the structure of the U.S. legislature?
Can anyone define the structure of the U.S. legislature?
It's bicameral, right? It has two houses.
It's bicameral, right? It has two houses.
Used here to describe the structural composition of a governing body.
"bicameral" in a sentence
The country moved to a bicameral system.
The country moved to a bicameral system.
A bicameral legislature helps prevent the concentration of power.
A bicameral legislature helps prevent the concentration of power.
The bicameral nature of the parliament necessitates extensive compromise between the upper and lower chambers.
The bicameral nature of the parliament necessitates extensive compromise between the upper and lower chambers.
